Flow conditioning assembly

ABSTRACT

A flow conditioning assembly comprising an integral elbow flow conditioner and a downstream flow conditioner. The elbow flow conditioner includes a pipe elbow with one or more flow conditioning elements. Each flow conditioning element includes one or more turning guides. Each turning guide is generally circular and radially spaced from one another and an inner surface of the elbow. Spaced vanes maintain the radial spacing of the turning guides. The vanes divide the radial space between the turning guides and pipe elbow into a plurality of flow channels that turn in generally the same direction as the inner surface of the pipe elbow. The downstream flow conditioner comprises a flow conditioning structure within a pipe element. The flow conditioning structure includes one or more flow guides of generally circular form radially spaced from one another and the pipe element. Spaced support vanes maintain the radial spacing of the flow guides.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/843,616 filed on Apr. 8, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/921,126 filed on May 31, 2019, byZachary W. Leutwyler and Manmohan S. Kalsi, entitled “Flow Conditionersand Straightener Designed Integral with Piping Bends and Designed forInstallation Downstream of Flow Disturbances or Upstream of Pump Inletsand Designed Integral with Flow Metering Devices.” Applicantincorporates by reference herein Application Ser. No. 62/921,126 in itsentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with Government support under Agreement No.N00014-19-9-001, awarded by ONR (Office of Naval Research). TheGovernment therefore has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a flow conditioning assemblywithin piping, and more particularly, to a fluid flow conditioningassembly that improves the velocity profile of the approach flow leadingto a downstream device such as a flow meter or pump intake.

2. Description of the Related Art

The accuracy of flow meters and the performance of pumps, valves, andother mechanical equipment can be adversely affected when the velocityprofile of the approach flow deviates from that of a fully developedprofile, especially when high asymmetry (or skew) in the velocityprofile or strong swirl is present. Achieving well-conditioned flow (bythe application of a flow conditioner) improves the accuracy of flowmeters and the performance of pumps, valves, and other mechanicalequipment.

As an example, orifice plate flow meters, and other differentialpressure (DP) flow meters, utilize a flow coefficient (defined based onReynolds number) and the measured DP across the orifice to determine theflow rate. Standard flow coefficients are developed using pipeconfigurations and test conditions that produce a fully developedvelocity profile upstream of the flow meter. As such, an increase inerror or uncertainty in calculated flow rate (based on measured DP andflow coefficient) can result when the actual velocity profile deviatesfrom that of a fully developed velocity profile.

Piping components such as pumps, elbows, tees, and valves disturb theflow emerging from these devices. The disturbed flow is often describedas velocity profile distortion (or skew) and swirl. When disturbed flowpasses through a sufficiently long, straight section of pipe, viscousdiffusion acts on the fluid and reduces the asymmetry in the velocityprofile and diminishes the intensity of the swirling flow (flow actingtangential to the pipe axis velocity vector). The restoration of thefully developed velocity profile and elimination of swirl can takebetween 20 pipe diameters and 120 pipe diameters. The exact length ofdownstream pipe required to reestablish a fully developed profiledepends on the level of distortion introduced by the upstreamdisturbance. For example, two elbows, rotated out of plane, and in closeproximity can act in conjunction with each other to greatly increase thedistortion and swirl introduced in the downstream flow.

Flow conditioners are devices that act to diminish the amount of skew inthe velocity profile and swirl intensity caused by flow disturbances.From a fundamental fluid mechanics perspective, the velocity profiledefines the distribution of fluid momentum across the flow area(cross-sectional plane with normal vector parallel to the pipe axis).Velocity distortion causes a change in the distribution of fluidmomentum across the flow area from that of a fully developed velocityprofile. Current, well performing, flow conditioning devices act toreduce velocity distortion by developing a pressure gradient upstream ofthe conditioner that acts perpendicular to the downstream-pipe axis. Thepressure gradient causes flow in regions of excessive fluid momentum tomove to regions deficient in fluid momentum, thus helping to reduce thevelocity skew. The pressure gradient that causes the flow redirection isgenerated either using substantial area blockage due to the design ofthe face of the conditioner, using substantial viscous drag forceswithin the flow passages, or using these two in conjunction. Currentconditioners are not designed to minimize pressure drop, noise, andcavitation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a flow conditioning assembly that can becomprised of conditioning elements that are integral with the pipe elbow(or pipe bend) and multiple downstream conditioning elements. Theconditioning elements in the pipe bend are referred to as an integralconditioner and the downstream conditioner elements are collectivelyreferred to as a multistage flow conditioner.

Briefly, the invention is a series of guide elements that arecategorized as vanes and turning guides or flow guides. Vanes areoriented generally along radial paths. Turning guides and flow guideshave a generally circular cross-section and are oriented such that thepath defined by the center of the turning guide runs generally along thedirection of the pipe axis. The vanes and turning guides are ofhydrodynamic (or aerodynamic) shape which are integrated into pipe bends(such as elbows) that guide flow through the pipe bend and into thedownstream pipe.

The vanes and turning guides or flow guides have a leading edge that isrounded and the foil thickness gradually increases along its span untilit reaches a location of maximum thickness, the location of maximumthickness near the leading edge, a continuously narrowing thicknessfollowing the location of maximum thickness, and a defined trailing edgethat can be sharp or blunt but is smaller in thickness than the leadingedge. Flow vents allowing fluid from one side of the vane, turningguide, or flow guide to the other may be present along the span of thevane, turning guide, or flow guide. The flow vents may be local holes orslots or may be complete separations that span the entire length orwidth of the vane, turning guide, or flow guide.

The vanes, turning guides, and flow guides connect to form smaller flowchannels. The radial location of the center of each flow guide andcircumferential location of each vane is selected to achieve a desiredeffective flow area and effective resistance of each flow channel. Theflow resistance inherent to each flow passage can be modified to alterthe momentum at the flow passage outlet. The flow resistance of thepassages can be altered by eccentrically offsetting the turning guidesor flow guides, using an uneven circumferential spacing of the vanes,and/or causing the inlet and outlet areas to differ.

The present invention is also distinguishable from prior art in that notonly does it use area blockage and viscous forces to develop backpressure and condition flow, but it also uses area changes between theinlet and outlet of the flow channels formed by the vanes, turningguides, and flow guides. The area changes along the flow passage providethe means to use Bernoulli's principle to better condition the flow. Tofurther explain, the flow area of the flow channels along the outer bendof an elbow can be reduced by offsetting the center of the turningguides (at both the inlet and outlet) and thereby narrow the flow area.The decrease in area provides an increase in viscous drag forces alongthe outer bend, which in turn increase the pressure gradient on theupstream end of the conditioner and more strategically helpsredistribute flow. Alternatively, the center of the turning guides atthe inlet can be offset in the direction of the outer bend withoutoffsetting the turning guide center at the outlet. In this case, theflow channels are both narrower along the outer bend at the inlet andincrease in flow area at the outlet. Both features greatly reduce thevelocity just along the outer bend and provide substantial improvementin the flow emerging from the elbow.

The present invention concerns the utilization of vanes and turningguides to efficiently guide flow through pipe bends or elbows and toprecondition the flow before it enters the downstream pipe. The presentinvention also concerns the integration of hydrofoils (or airfoils) intostraight pipe sections to more effectively condition flow downstream ofother flow disturbances, such as valves and fittings. The presentinvention provides flow conditioning while minimizing the production ofnoise and cavitation by using vanes and turning guides or flow guidesthat are of a hydrodynamic (or of an aerodynamic) shape. The presentinvention also reduces pressure drop associated with the flowconditioner.

The first stage in the multistage flow conditioner assembly is locatedjust downstream of the pipe elbow/bend (or other flow disturbance). Thenumber and design of the downstream flow conditioner stages that areintegrated in a multistage downstream conditioner are based on severalfactors including the allowable pressure drop requirements, installationpackage size allowed by the application, flow condition requirements,and acceptable levels of cavitation and noise. In applications thatrequire highly conditioned flow, several stages, six or more forexample, may be required to achieve the desired velocity profile withina short distance downstream of the flow disturbance.

The benefit of using the multistage downstream conditioner is that thestages of which it is comprised can be selected based on the definedrequirements of the end user. For example, it is beneficial for thefirst stage to be designed to reduce swirl without generating cavitationwhile producing minimal noise. It is also beneficial for the first stageto be designed to minimize the internal pressure drop. As an additionalexample, it is beneficial for the final stage of the downstreamconditioner to be designed to sculpt the velocity and promote thedesired velocity profile. The number of intermediate stages (and theirdesign)—installed between the first and last stage in the downstreamconditioner—are selected based on the severity of the upstreamdisturbance, allowable installation package size, and flow conditioningrequirements. Upstream flow disturbances that create highly distortedflow require more intermediate stages than upstream flow disturbancesthat create minimally distorted flow.

The following first stage design features are implemented to reducecavitation potential and noise. The leading edges of the flow guides aredelayed with respect to each other such that the leading edge of theouter most guide precedes the leading edge of the middle flow guide; andthe leading edge of the middle flow guide precedes the inner most flowguide. Also, the leading edge of the radial vanes spanning the gapbetween two flow guides is delayed compared to the leading edge of bothflow guides. The delay in the leading edges of the flow guides and vanesserves to more gradually alter the direction of the flow and thusprevent flow separation from the foils. The delay in the leading edgesof the vanes and flow guides is referred to as “delayed start”. Thesefeatures are of increasing importance if utilizing an integralconditioner in the upstream pipe bend/elbow is not possible.

The designs of the first, last and intermediate stages are similar inthat they all rely on the implementation of flow passages or channels todevelop a nearly symmetric velocity profile at the discharge of thefinal stage. The design, number and distribution of radial and supportvanes as well as turning guides and flow guides are selected to developthe necessary back pressure through each flow passage/channel in aconditioner stage to cause a pressure gradient along the inlet side ofthe conditioner stages so that the flow through the conditioner is morebalanced and the velocity profile of the discharge flow is moresymmetric.

Because high swirl and skew is often present at the discharge of theupstream disturbance, the use of the delayed start of the first stage isespecially important when sufficient space is not available to provideflow conditioning within the pipe bend/elbow or if flow conditioningdownstream of flow disturbances—like valves and pipe tees—is required orif flow conditioning at a pump inlet is required.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a flow conditioningassembly comprising an integral elbow flow conditioner and one or moredownstream flow conditioners positioned downstream from the integralelbow flow conditioner. Additionally, the flow conditioning assembly (oras a simplification, just the integral elbow flow conditioner or justthe downstream flow conditioner) can be used downstream of flowdisturbances in piping to condition and smooth the flow ahead of devicesthat benefit from conditioned flow.

The integral elbow flow conditioner includes a pipe elbow for conductingand turning the flow of a fluid. The pipe elbow is an annular conduithaving first and second openings and defining a radially inwardly facinginner surface in intermediate location to the first and second openingsthat turns in at least one direction and forms at least a portion of acurved fluid passageway extending through the pipe elbow.

The integral elbow flow conditioner includes at least a first flowconditioning element; however, any suitable number may be used. Thefirst flow conditioning element includes at least a first turning guide,however any suitable number may be used. The first turning guide has agenerally circular form when viewed in transverse cross-section, islocated at least partially within the pipe elbow, and is radially spacedfrom the pipe elbow by a radial space. The first turning guide has aguide leading edge and a guide trailing edge. The guide leading edge iscloser than the guide trailing edge to the first opening. Preferably,the first turning guide turns in generally the same at least onedirection as the inner surface of the pipe elbow.

The first flow conditioning element includes a plurality of vanessituated at least partially within the radial space between the pipeelbow and the first turning guide. The vanes locate the first turningguide relative to the pipe elbow and have vane leading and trailingedges. The vane leading edge is closer than the vane trailing edge tothe first opening and the vane trailing edge is closer than the vaneleading edge to the second opening. The vanes are circumferentiallyspaced from each other and circumferentially distributed around thefirst turning guide. The vanes divide the radial space between the pipeelbow and the first turning guide into a plurality of flow channels thatpreferably turn in generally the same at least one direction as theinner surface of the pipe elbow.

If desired, the first flow conditioning element may include a secondturning guide having a generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section. The second turning guide is located at least partiallywithin the first turning guide. The second turning guide is radiallyspaced from the first turning guide by a radial space. Preferably, thesecond turning guide turns in generally the same at least one directionas the inner surface of the pipe elbow. A plurality of vanes situated atleast partially within the radial space between the first and secondturning guides locate the second turning guide. These vanes arecircumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around the second turning guide. These vanes divide theradial space between the first and second turning guides into aplurality of flow channels that preferably turn in generally the same atleast one direction as the inner surface.

If desired, the first flow conditioning element may include a thirdturning guide having a generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section. The third turning guide is located at least partiallywithin the second turning guide and is radially spaced from the secondturning guide by a radial space. Preferably, the third turning guideturns in generally the same at least one direction as the inner surfaceof the pipe elbow. A plurality of vanes situated at least partiallywithin the radial space between the second and third turning guideslocate the third turning guide. These vanes are circumferentially spacedfrom each other and circumferentially distributed around the thirdturning guide, dividing the radial space between the second and thirdturning guides into a plurality of flow channels that preferably turn ingenerally the same at least one direction as the inner surface of thepipe elbow. Preferably, the third turning guide has an inner guidesurface facing generally radially inward that turns in generally thesame at least one direction as the inner surface of the pipe elbow.

Preferably, the first, second and third turning guides have a foilshape, wherein the guide leading edge is thicker and more rounded thanthe guide trailing edge, and the guide trailing edge is thinner(narrower, slenderer) and more pointed than the guide leading edge.

Preferably, the aforementioned vanes have a foil shape, wherein the vaneleading edge is thicker than the vane trailing edge and the vanetrailing edge is thinner (narrower, slenderer) than the vane leadingedge. Preferably, at least some of the vanes turn in generally the sameat least one direction as the inner surface of the pipe elbow.

Preferably, the turning guides have an inner guide surface facinggenerally radially inward and an outer guide surface facing generallyradially outward toward the pipe elbow. If desired, at least one guidevent can be incorporated to form a through passage that passes in agenerally radial direction from the inner guide surface to the outerguide surface. If desired, the guide vent may also cut through from theguide leading edge to the guide trailing edge.

If desired, at least one of the aforementioned vanes can have at leastone vane vent forming a hole that passes in a generally circumferentialdirection through the vane.

If desired, the turning guides can be substantially concentric to theinner surface of the pipe elbow. If desired, the turning guides can beeccentric to the inner surface of the pipe elbow. If desired, the guideleading edge of the turning guides can be eccentric to the inner surfaceof the pipe elbow and the guide trailing edge of the turning guides canbe less eccentric to the inner surface of the pipe elbow.

If desired, the guide leading edge of the turning guides can beeccentric to the inner surface of the pipe elbow and the guide trailingedge of the turning guides can be substantially concentric to the innersurface of the pipe elbow.

The junctures between the vanes and the first turning guide form vaneinner corners that are inside corners and have a curved length thatextends from the vane leading edge to the vane trailing edge. Ifdesired, at least some vanes with vane inner corners having a longercurved length can be spaced circumferentially closer together than atleast some vanes with vane inner corners having a shorter curved length.If desired, uneven circumferential vane spacing can also be used withthe vanes that locate the second and third turning guides.

The vane leading edge and the vane trailing edge of each of the vaneslocating the first turning guide are separated by a straight linedistance, at least some of the vanes having a longer straight linedistance separating the vane leading edge from the vane trailing edgecompared to other of the vanes having a shorter straight line distancebetween the vane leading edge and the vane trailing edge. If desired, atleast some of the vanes having the longer straight-line distanceseparating the vane leading edge from the vane trailing edge can bespaced closer together than some of the vanes having the shorterstraight-line distance between the vane leading edge and the vanetrailing edge.

If desired, the integral elbow flow conditioner can include a secondflow conditioning element located at least partially within the pipeelbow. The second flow conditioning element includes at least a firstturning guide, however any suitable number may be used. The firstturning guide has a generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section and is located at least partially within and radiallyspaced from the pipe elbow and turns in generally the same at least onedirection as the inner surface of the pipe elbow. A plurality of vanessituated between the pipe elbow and the first turning guide locate thefirst turning guide relative to the pipe elbow. These vanes arecircumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around the first turning guide, and divide the radial spacebetween the pipe elbow and the first turning guide into a plurality offlow channels that preferably turn in generally the same at least onedirection as the inner surface of the pipe elbow.

If desired, the second flow conditioning element can include secondturning guide having a generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section and located at least partially within the first turningguide. This second turning guide is radially spaced from the firstturning guide and preferably turns in generally the same at least onedirection as the inner surface of the pipe elbow. A plurality of vanessituated between the first and second turning guides locates the secondturning guide. These vanes are circumferentially spaced from each otherand circumferentially distributed around the second turning guide anddivide the radial space between the first and second turning guide intoa plurality of flow channels that preferably turn in generally the sameat least one direction as the inner surface of the pipe elbow.Preferably, whenever the second flow conditioning element is used, afluid settling chamber is located within the pipe elbow between thefirst and second flow conditioning elements.

The downstream flow conditioner includes a pipe element for conductingthe flow of the fluid. The pipe element is an annular conduit havingfirst and second axial ends. The pipe element defines a radiallyinwardly facing inner peripheral surface forming at least a portion ofan axially oriented fluid passageway extending generally axially throughthe pipe element from a first end opening to a second end opening. Thefirst axial end of the pipe element faces generally toward the secondopening of the pipe elbow and the second axial end of the pipe elementfaces away from the second opening of the pipe elbow and faces away fromthe first axial end of the pipe element.

The downstream flow conditioner includes at least a first flow guide;however, any suitable number may be used. The first flow guide hasgenerally circular form when viewed in transverse cross-section and islocated at least partially within the pipe element and radially spacedfrom the pipe element by a radial space. The first flow guide hasupstream and downstream guide ends. The upstream guide end is closerthan the downstream guide end to the first axial end of the pipe elementand the downstream guide end is closer than the upstream guide end tothe second axial end of the pipe element. Preferably, the first flowguide has generally the same axial orientation as the inner peripheralsurface of the pipe element.

The downstream flow conditioner includes a plurality of support vanessituated at least partially within the radial space between the pipeelement and the first flow guide. The support vanes locate the firstflow guide relative to the pipe element. The support vanes arecircumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around the first flow guide. The support vanes have vaneupstream and downstream ends. The vane upstream end is closer than thevane downstream end to the first axial end of the pipe element and thevane downstream end is closer than the vane upstream end to the secondaxial end of the pipe element.

If desired, the downstream flow conditioner may also include a secondflow guide having generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section. The second flow guide is located at least partiallywithin the first flow guide and is radially spaced from the first flowguide by a radial space. The second flow guide has upstream anddownstream guide ends. The upstream guide end is closer than thedownstream guide end to the first axial end of the pipe element and thedownstream guide end is closer than the upstream guide end to the secondaxial end of the pipe element. Preferably, the second flow guide hasgenerally the same axial orientation as the inner peripheral surface ofthe pipe element. A plurality of support vanes situated at leastpartially within the radial space between the first and second flowguides locate the second flow guide. These support vanes arecircumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around the second flow guide.

Preferably, the first and second flow guides have a foil shape whenviewed in longitudinal cross-section, wherein the downstream guide endis thinner (narrower, slenderer) than the upstream guide end.

Preferably, at least some of the support vanes have a foil shape,wherein the vane upstream end is thicker than the vane downstream endand the vane downstream end is thinner (narrower, slenderer) than thevane upstream end.

If desired, the downstream flow conditioner may include a third flowguide having a generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section located at least partially within and radially spaced fromthe second flow guide by a radial space. Preferably, the third flowguide has generally the same axial orientation as the inner peripheralsurface. The third flow guide has upstream and downstream guide ends.The upstream guide end is closer than the downstream guide end to thefirst axial end of the pipe element. Preferably, the downstream guideend of the third flow guide is thinner (narrower, slenderer) than theupstream guide end of the third flow guide.

Preferably, the third flow guide has a guide inner surface facinggenerally radially inward and having generally the same axialorientation as the inner peripheral surface of the pipe element.

Preferably, the first, second, and third flow guides are generallyconical. Preferably, the upstream guide end of the first flow guide iscloser than the downstream guide end of the first flow guide to the pipeelement and the upstream guide end of the second flow guide is closerthan the downstream guide end of the second flow guide to the pipeelement.

Preferably, at least some of the support vanes have generally the sameaxial orientation as the inner peripheral surface.

Preferably, the first flow guide has a guide inner surface facinggenerally radially inward and has a guide outer surface facing generallyradially outward toward the pipe element, and the first flow guidepreferably has at least one flow guide vent forming a passage in thefirst flow guide passing in a generally radial direction through thefirst flow guide from the guide outer surface to the guide innersurface. If desired, the flow guide vent can form a passage cutting in agenerally axial direction through the first flow guide from the upstreamguide end to the downstream guide end. If desired, the second flow guideand third flow guide may also incorporate one or more flow guide vents.

Preferably, the upstream guide end of the first flow guide is axiallyoffset from the upstream guide end of the second flow guide, such thatthe upstream guide end of the second flow guide is more recessed thanthe upstream guide end of the first flow guide relative to the firstaxial end of the pipe element. Preferably, the upstream guide end of thesecond flow guide is axially offset from the upstream guide end of thethird flow guide, such that the upstream guide end of the third flowguide is more recessed than the upstream guide end of the second guiderelative to the first axial end of the pipe element.

The support vanes locating the first flow guide have an axial lengthbetween the vane upstream end and the vane downstream end. The firstflow guide has an axial length between the upstream guide end and thedownstream guide end. Preferably, the axial length of the first flowguide is longer than the axial length of the support vanes. This samepractice can be applied to the second flow guide and the third flowguide.

If desired, the vane upstream end of at least one of the support vaneslocating the first flow guide are farther than the upstream guide end ofthe first flow guide from the first end opening of the pipe element.This same practice can be applied to the second and third flow guides.

If desired, the vane downstream end of at least one of the support vaneslocating the first flow guide are farther than the downstream guide endof the first flow guide from the first end opening of the pipe element.This same practice can be applied to the second and third flow guides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of theinvention mentioned above are described in more detail by reference tothe drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elementshaving the same basic function, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a flow conditioning assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an integral elbow flow conditioneraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the integral elbow flow conditioner shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the integral elbow flow conditioner takenalong lines 2C-2C in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a section view taken along lines 2D-2D in FIG. 2C;

FIG. 2E is a section view taken along lines 2E-2E in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2F is a cross-section of one of the vanes that is representative ofthe cutting plane 2F-2F shown in FIG. 2D.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a downstream flow conditioner according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a section view taken along lines 3B-3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a section view taken along lines 3C-3C in FIG. 3B showing across-section of a support vane;

FIG. 4A is a front view of another embodiment of the integral elbow flowconditioner;

FIG. 4B is a section view taken along lines 4B-4B in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the integralelbow flow conditioner;

FIG. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of the downstream flowconditioner;

FIG. 6B is a section view taken along lines 6B-6B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is an end view taken along lines 6C-6C in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the downstream flowconditioner;

FIG. 8 is an end view of still another embodiment of the integral elbowflow conditioner; and

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are perspective views of still other embodiments ofthe integral elbow flow conditioner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more embodiments are described below, thedisclosed assemblies, systems and methods may be implemented using anynumber of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence.The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrativeimplementations, drawings, and techniques described below, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout theapplication:

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,”it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;

The terms “about” or “approximately” or the like, when used with anumber, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range inproximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill inthe field of the art;

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,”“optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other suchlanguage) be included or have a characteristic, that particularcomponent or feature is not required to be included or to have thecharacteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included insome embodiment, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to thefigures, in which like numerals reflect like elements throughout. Theterminology used in the description presented herein is not intended tobe interpreted in any restrictive or limited way, simply because it isbeing utilized in conjunction with the detailed description of certainspecific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of theinvention may include several novel features, no single one of which issolely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential topracticing the invention described herein.

FIG. 1

Referring now to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, a flow conditioningassembly is shown generally at 1. Preferably, the flow conditioningassembly 1 comprises an integral elbow flow conditioner 2 and at leastone downstream flow conditioner 4 that are connected to and may beseparated from one another by at least one pipe section 6. The geometryof the integral elbow flow conditioner 2 and the at least one downstreamflow conditioner 4 are discussed in detail in conjunction withsubsequent figures. The at least one pipe section 6 is positioned inintermediate location to the integral elbow flow conditioner 2 and theat least one downstream flow conditioner 4. When used in thisspecification, the word “intermediate” has the ordinary dictionarymeaning of, “occurring in the middle of a . . . series”(Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary).

If desired, the flow conditioning assembly 1 may also include a seconddownstream flow conditioner 8, wherein the at least one downstream flowconditioner 4 and the second downstream flow conditioner 8 are connectedto and may be separated by a second pipe section 10. Preferably, thesecond pipe section 10 is positioned in intermediate location to the atleast one downstream flow conditioner 4 and the second downstream flowconditioner 8. The second downstream flow conditioner 8 may be the sameas the first downstream flow conditioner 4, or it may have a differentinternal configuration. FIG. 1 illustrates two downstream flowconditioners. Any number and selection of downstream flow conditionerscan be used to achieve flow conditioning objectives.

Preferably, the at least one pipe section 6 and the second pipe section10 are conventional pipe; i.e., they are tubes for conducting a fluid.The aforementioned components of the flow conditioning assembly 1 areconnected to one another by any suitable means, such as welding, boltflanges, Victaulic-brand split clamps, etc. Preferably, and for maximumperformance of the flow conditioning assembly 1, the fluid flows throughthe flow conditioning assembly 1 in flow direction 14.

The flow conditioning assembly 1 is illustrated in situ, attached to andpositioned in intermediate location to an upstream piping component 18and a downstream piping component 20. The upstream piping component 18and downstream piping component 20 can be selected from a variety ofpiping components, such as valves, pipe, elbows, tees, flow meters, etc.The flow conditioning assembly 1 can be connected to the upstream pipingcomponent 18 and downstream piping component 20 by any suitable means,such as welding, bolt flanges, Victaulic-brand split clamps, etc.

The upstream piping component 18 and other upstream components canproduce flow disturbances that can have a significant effect ondownstream flow and on flow generated noise. Features within theintegral elbow flow conditioner 2 produce a well-conditioned flow thatmay then be further conditioned and quieted by the at least onedownstream flow conditioner 4 and by the second downstream flowconditioner 8. If desired, the flow conditioning assembly 1 can beinstalled downstream of flow disturbances or upstream of equipmentbenefitting from conditioned flow, such as pumps and flow meters. Ifdesired as a simplification, either the integral elbow flow conditioner2 or the downstream flow conditioner 4 can be installed downstream offlow disturbances or upstream of equipment benefitting from conditionedflow, such as pumps and flow meters. In other words, as asimplification, the flow conditioning assembly 1 of the presentinvention can just include the integral elbow flow conditioner 2 or thedownstream flow conditioner 4.

Preferably, the downstream flow conditioner 4 includes a pipe element102 that has a first axial end 106A and a second axial end 106B. Theintegral elbow flow conditioner 2 includes a pipe elbow 22 that has afirst end surface 28A and a second end surface 28B. The first axial end106A of the pipe element 102 faces generally toward the second endsurface 28B of the pipe elbow 22. The second axial end 106B of the pipeelement 102 faces away from the second end surface 28B of the pipe elbow22 and faces away from the first axial end 106A of the pipe element 102.

The integral elbow flow conditioner 2, downstream flow conditioner 4,and second downstream flow conditioner 8 have internal flow conditioningfeatures that define generally longitudinally oriented internalpassageways. Because the internal passageways of the integral elbow flowconditioner 2 differ in some respects from the internal passageways ofthe downstream flow conditioners 4 and 8, it was thought necessary toassign them different names, to distinguish between them. The generallylongitudinally oriented internal passageways of the downstream flowconditioners 4 and 8 are herein assigned the name “flow passages” andthe generally longitudinally oriented internal passageways of theintegral elbow flow conditioner 2 are herein assigned the name “flowchannels”. These names are adopted in accordance with the principle thatan “applicant is entitled to be his or her own lexicographer” (MPEP2111.01). We mention this to prevent any misunderstanding of the use ofthe word “channel” in the assigned name “flow channels”. The word“channel” has a variety of meanings, some more well-known than others.The Merriam-Webster online dictionary establishes one meaning as an“enclosed passage”, and the applicant adopted the word “channel” intothe name “flow channels” with this general meaning in mind, however themeaning of the name “flow channels” is established by the specification,rather than by the dictionary meaning of any word within the name.

FIGS. 2A-2F are different views of a preferred embodiment of an integralelbow flow conditioner 2.

FIG. 2A

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the integral elbow flow conditioner 2comprising the pipe elbow 22 and at least a first flow conditioningelement, shown generally at 24A. The purpose of the pipe elbow 22 isconducting and turning the flow of a fluid 12. The first flowconditioning element 24A is preferably wholly inside the pipe elbow 22.

The pipe elbow 22 is an annular conduit for conducting the fluid 12,wherein a portion thereof is curved. The pipe elbow 22 has generallyaxially-facing first opening shown generally at 26A and second openingshown generally at 26B. Preferably, the fluid 12 is conducted from thefirst opening 26A to and through the second opening 26B and has a flowdirection from the first opening 26A to the second opening 26B.

The pipe elbow 22 preferably has first and second end surfaces 28A and28B, respectively, that face in generally axial directions. The firstend surface 28A and second end surface 28B are preferably annular, flat,and perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid 12. It should beunderstood that, in service, the first end surface 28A and second endsurface 28B may be welded to or otherwise connected to other pipingelements, such as a pipe, a valve, a tee, or an elbow. For example, thecomponents could be flanged together.

The pipe elbow 22 has an outer surface 30 that is preferably annular andfaces radially outward away from the at least one first flowconditioning element 24A. The pipe elbow 22 has a curved sectiongenerally at 34 that is positioned in an intermediate location to thefirst end surface 28A and second end surface 28B. If desired, the pipeelbow 22 may also have a first straight section shown generally at 36Aand second straight section shown generally at 36B. Preferably thecurved section 34 is positioned in an intermediate location to and joinsthe first straight section 36A and the second straight section 36B.

The pipe elbow 22 has an inner surface 38 that faces radially inwardaway from the outer surface 30. The inner surface 38 is exposed to thefluid 12. The inner surface 38 is preferably smooth. Preferably, thefirst flow conditioning element 24A terminates at and is connected tothe inner surface 38. The inner surface 38 turns/curves in at least onedirection and forms at least a portion of a curved fluid passagewayextending from the first opening 26A to the second opening 26B.

The inner surface 38 preferably intersects with the first end surface28A and second end surface 28B to form a first inner corner 40A and asecond inner corner 40B, respectively. The outer surface 30 preferablyintersects with the first end surface 28A and second end surface 28B toform a first outer corner 42A and a second outer corner 42B,respectively. The first inner corner 40A and second inner corner 40B andthe first outer corner 42A and second outer corner 42B are externalcorners and are preferably generally circular.

Lest the reader be confused by terms such as internal corner, insidecorner, external corner, and outside corner, the following example isprovided. Imagine a large cube-shaped empty box made of opaque material.From a point of observation that is located inside the box, all of thecorners that you can see are what are known in the engineering,manufacturing and building trades as internal corners, or insidecorners. From a point of observation that is located outside the box,all you can see are what are known in the engineering, manufacturing andbuilding trades as external corners, or outside corners. As a furtherclarification, a solid cube only has external (outside) corners and hasno inside (internal) corners.

It should be understood that in manufactured components external cornerscan, if desired, be rounded corners or chamfered corners. For example,chamfered corners are often used in preparation for the welds thatsometimes connect one piping element to another. For another example,the sharp corners of many machined parts are “broken” after machining toremove burrs, etc., and many machining drawings carry a note somethinglike “Break all sharp edges” and/or “Remove all burrs”. Thus, it can beunderstood that the configuration of an external corner can be selectedfrom a group consisting of sharp corners, rounded corners and chamferedcorners.

The first inner corner 40A and second inner corner 40B are located atthe inner peripheral edges of the first end surface 28A and second endsurface 28B, respectively, and are outside corners. The first outercorner 42A and second outer corner 42B are located at the outerperipheral edges of the first end surface 28A and second end surface28B, respectively, and are outside corners. The first end surface 28A ispreferably positioned in an intermediate location to the first innercorner 40A and the first outer corner 42A. The second end surface 28B ispreferably positioned in an intermediate location to the second innercorner 40B and the second outer corner 42B. The first end surface 28Aand second end surface 28B are in intermediate locations to the innersurface 38 and outer surface 30 of the pipe elbow 22.

The first flow conditioning element 24A has at least a first turningguide 44A. Also shown in this embodiment are a second turning guide 44Band a third turning guide 44C. Preferably, the first turning guide 44A,second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C are generallycircular in form when viewed in transverse cross-section and turn/curvein generally the same at least one direction as the inner surface 38.The first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turningguide 44C are supported and positioned relative to the pipe elbow 22 bya plurality of vanes 48. If desired, the vanes 48 may incorporate vanevents 72 that form holes which penetrate in a generally circumferentialdirection through the vanes 48. If desired, the first turning guide 44A,second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C may incorporateguide vents 74 that form holes penetrating through the first turningguide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C in agenerally radial direction.

The pipe elbow 22 has the function of changing the direction of thefluid 12 flowing through the pipe elbow 22 and providing a pressureboundary for the fluid 12. The first end surface 28A and second endsurface 28B are typically connected to other piping elements, examplesof which include pipe, another elbow, a pipe tee, or a valve.

FIG. 2B

FIG. 2B is a top view of the integral elbow flow conditioner 2. Thisview includes three cutting planes 2E-2E and a view plane 2C-2C. FIG. 2Cis representative of the view from view plane 2C-2C. FIG. 2E isrepresentative of the cross-sections at the cutting planes 2E-2E. Thepipe elbow 22, first end surface 28A, second end surface 28B outersurface 30, curved section 34, first straight section 36A, and secondstraight section 36B are labeled for orientation purposes. The curvedsection 34 is intermediate to the first straight section 36A and thesecond straight section 36B and between the first end surface 28A andthe second end surface 28B. The pipe elbow 22 curves at an angle A,which in this embodiment is 90°. Other angles are possible, 45° being acommon example.

The term “axis” is well-understood in mechanical engineering and in thefield of drafting and is commonly represented by a centerline orintersecting centerlines. The axis of the pipe elbow 22 is shown at 46.

Preferably, the first end surface 28A and second end surface 28B of thepipe elbow 22 are perpendicular to the axis 46 of the pipe elbow 22.Preferably, the outer surface 30 of the pipe elbow 22 is smooth,annular, curved, and generally circular at any given cross-section thatis perpendicular to the axis 46 of the pipe elbow 22. The outer surface30 faces radially outward and away from the axis 46. As previouslydescribed, the pipe elbow 22 may comprise a first straight section 36Aand/or second straight section 36B that are generally cylindrical and ofa curved section 34.

FIG. 2C

FIG. 2C is a front view of the integral elbow flow conditioner 2 andcorresponds to view plane 2C-2C in FIG. 2B. The first end surface 28Aand second end surface 28B are labeled for orientation purposes. Thisview includes cutting plane 2D-2D. FIG. 2D is representative of thecross-section at the cutting plane 2D-2D. The first turning guide 44A,second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C are supported andpositioned relative to the pipe elbow 22 by the plurality of vanes 48.

FIG. 2D

FIG. 2D is a longitudinal cross-section view of the integral elbow flowconditioner 2 that represents the cutting plane 2D-2D shown in FIG. 2C.The sectional views herein are intended to be interpreted by thestandard conventions of multi and sectional view orthographic drawingprojection practiced in the United States and described in ANSIY14.3-1975, an industry standardization document promulgated by ASME.Section 3-4.2.1 of ANSI Y14.3-1975 has been interpreted to mean that thecircumferentially solid portions of the integral elbow flow conditioner2 (i.e., pipe elbow 22, first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, and third turning guide 44C) should be crosshatched in sectionalview, while the vanes 48 should be drawn in outline form withoutcrosshatch lines to avoid conveying a false impression ofcircumferential solidity.

The vanes 48 have a vane leading edge 80 and a vane trailing edge 82,the vane leading edge 80 being closer than the vane trailing edge 82 tothe first opening 26A and the vane trailing edge 82 being closer thanthe vane leading edge 80 to the second opening 26B. The terms “leading”and “trailing” are based on the preferred direction of flow of the fluid12. Preferably, at least some of the vanes 48 turn/curve in generallythe same at least one direction as the inner surface 38.

If desired the integral elbow flow conditioner 2 may have more than oneflow conditioning element, such as the first flow conditioning element24A, second flow conditioning element 24B, and third flow conditioningelement 24C that are shown. Preferably, the second flow conditioningelement 24B is spaced apart from the first flow conditioning element 24Aand the third flow conditioning element 24C is spaced apart from thesecond flow conditioning element 24B, the second flow conditioningelement 24B being located at least partially within the pipe elbow 22and positioned in an intermediate location to the first flowconditioning element 24A and the third flow conditioning element 24C.

As with the first flow conditioning element 24A, the second flowconditioning element 24B and third flow conditioning element 24C arepreferably composed of a first turning guide 44A, a second turning guide44B, a third turning guide 44C, and vanes 48. Preferably, the first flowconditioning element 24A, second flow conditioning element 24B, andthird flow conditioning element 24C each have a plurality of flowchannels 58 that turn in generally the same at least one direction asthe inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22. As with the first flowconditioning element 24A, the second flow conditioning element 24B andthird flow conditioning element 24C are preferably connected to the pipeelbow 22. Preferably, at least some of the vanes 48 turn in generallythe same at least one direction as the inner surface 38.

The first flow conditioning element 24A, second flow conditioningelement 24B, and third flow conditioning element 24C occur at firstlocation 68A, second location 68B, and third location 68C of the pipeelbow 22, respectively. If desired, a first fluid settling chamber 70Acan be located within the pipe elbow 22 and between the first flowconditioning element 24A and the second flow conditioning element 24Band a second fluid settling chamber 70B can be located within the pipeelbow 22 and between the second flow conditioning element 24B and thethird flow conditioning element 24C. The first fluid settling chamber70A is the space within the inner surface 38 and between the first flowconditioning element 24A and second flow conditioning element 24B. Thesecond fluid settling chamber 70B is the space within the inner surface38 and between the second flow conditioning element 24B and the thirdflow conditioning element 24C. The fluid 12 has a pressure that may varyin a cross-sectional region due to flow disturbances from upstreampiping elements. The first fluid settling chamber 70A allows thepressure of the fluid 12 to somewhat equalize radially andcircumferentially after exiting the first flow conditioning element 24Aand before entering the second flow conditioning element 24B. The secondfluid settling chamber 70B allows the pressure of the fluid 12 tosomewhat equalize radially and circumferentially after exiting thesecond flow conditioning element 24B and before entering the third flowconditioning element 24C. Preferably, the first fluid settling chamber70A and the second fluid settling chamber 70B are located within thepipe elbow 22.

Preferably, the fluid 12 enters the integral elbow flow conditioner 2 atthe first opening 26A, flows through the pipe elbow 22, and then exitsat and through the second opening 26B.

Preferably, in this embodiment, once the fluid 12 enters the integralelbow flow conditioner 2 through the first opening 26A, it enters thefirst flow conditioning element 24A, then passes through the first fluidsettling chamber 70A, enters the second flow conditioning element 24B,then passes through the second fluid settling chamber 70B, then flowsthrough the third flow conditioning element 24C, and then exits theintegral elbow flow conditioner 2 at the second opening 26B.

Within the illustrated embodiment of the integral elbow flow conditioner2, the fluid 12 is typically either flowing through the flow channels 58and in contact with the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, and third turning guide 44C, vanes 48, and the inner surface 38 ofthe pipe elbow 22, or the fluid 12 is flowing through a first fluidsettling chamber 70A or a second fluid settling chamber 70B and is incontact with only the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22.

In this embodiment where the pipe elbow 22 makes a 90° turn and has agenerally cylindrical first straight section 36A and a second straightsection 36B, the second flow conditioning element 24B is illustrated asbeing in the central portion of the pipe elbow 22 at second location68B. Preferably, the first location 68A and the first flow conditioningelement 24A are near the first end surface 28A of the pipe elbow 22.Preferably, the third location 68C and the third flow conditioningelement 24C are near the second end surface 28B of the pipe elbow 22.

If desired, the vanes 48 may incorporate vane vents 72 that penetrate ina generally circumferential direction through the vanes 48. The vanevents 72 can be any desired shape, such as the obround and round holesthat are shown, or other slot shapes. The vane vents 72 enable thepressure of the fluid 12 to somewhat equalize circumferentially betweenadjacent flow channels 58.

Referring momentarily back to FIG. 2A, the third flow conditioningelement is shown generally at 24C. The first turning guide 44A, secondturning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C of the third flowconditioning element 24C are labeled for orientation purposes. Ifdesired, the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, andthird turning guide 44C may incorporate guide vents 74 that form holeswhich penetrate the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B,and third turning guide 44C in a generally radial direction. Forexample, the at least one guide vents 74 in the second turning guide 44Bforms a hole in the second turning guide 44B passing in a generallyradial direction through the second turning guide 44B from an innerguide surface 52 to an outer guide surface 54. The guide vents 74 can beany desired shape, such as the obround and round holes that are shown,or other slot shapes, such as holes that extend from one vane 48 toanother. The guide vents 74 enable the pressure of the fluid 12 tosomewhat equalize radially between adjacent flow channels 58. Ifdesired, the guide vents 74 can also be one or more axial slots thatextend completely through the axial length of one or more of the turningguides (i.e., first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, thirdturning guide 44C) such that the turning guides are C-shaped orsegmented, rather than annular in form.

If desired, any of the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, and third turning guide 44C can have a foil shaped cross-section asshown in FIG. 2D. The foil shape is most apparent when the first turningguide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C areviewed in longitudinal cross-section. The first turning guide 44A,second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C have guide leadingedges 76 and guide trailing edges 78. The terms “leading” and “trailing”are based on the preferred direction of flow of the fluid 12. The guideleading edges 76 are closer than the guide trailing edges 78 to thefirst opening 26A and the guide trailing edges 78 are closer than theguide leading edges 76 to the second opening 26B. By the term “foilshaped” what is meant herein is that, when viewed in longitudinalcross-section, the guide leading edges 76 are thicker and more roundedthan the guide trailing edges 78, and the guide trailing edges 78 aremore pointed and thinner (narrower, slenderer) than the guide leadingedges 76. Another way of describing the preferred foil shape is that theguide leading edges 76 are rounded and the thickness (i.e., firstthickness 50A, second thickness 50B, third thickness 50C) of the turningguides (i.e., first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, thirdturning guide 44C) gradually increases along the axial length of theturning guide from the guide leading edges 76 toward the guide trailingedges 78 until it reaches a location of maximum thickness near the guideleading edges 76, followed by a continuously narrowing thickness towardthe guide trailing edges 78, and defining guide trailing edges 78 thatcan be sharp or blunt or rounded or chamfered, but in any case smallerin thickness (slenderer) than the location of maximum thickness near theguide leading edges 76.

The first flow conditioning element 24A, second flow conditioningelement 24B, and third flow conditioning element 24C are located atleast partially within the pipe elbow 22, and (for ease of assemblingthe integral elbow flow conditioner 2 with other piping components) arepreferably located entirely within the pipe elbow 22. The first flowconditioning element 24A, second flow conditioning element 24B, andthird flow conditioning element 24C are each comprised of a plurality ofvanes 48 and at least a first turning guide 44A. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 2D, a first turning guide 44A, a second turning guide44B, and a third turning guide 44C are illustrated, however, anysuitable number can be used.

FIG. 2E

FIG. 2E is a transverse cross-sectional view of the integral elbow flowconditioner 2 that is representative of the three cutting planes 2E-2Eon FIG. 2B. By “transverse cross-sectional view,” what is meantthroughout this specification is the imaginary cutting plane of thecross-sectional view is oriented at right angles to the axis 46. FIG. 2Eis a transverse cross-sectional view of the first, second, and thirdflow conditioning elements.

Preferably, when viewed in transverse cross-section, the first turningguide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C aregenerally circular. The first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, and third turning guide 44C each have an inner guide surface 52that faces generally radially inward toward the axis 46. The firstturning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44Ceach have an outer guide surface 54 that faces generally radiallyoutward toward the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 and generallyaway from the axis 46. Preferably, these inner guide surfaces 52 andouter guide surfaces 54 turn in generally the same at least onedirection as the inner surface 38.

Preferably, the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, andthird turning guide 44C are located at least partially within the pipeelbow 22 and turn/curve in generally the same at least one direction asthe inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22. Preferably, the secondturning guide 44B is located radially inward of and at least partiallywithin the first turning guide 44A. Preferably, the third turning guide44C is located radially inward of and at least partially within thesecond turning guide 44B. In this embodiment, the first turning guide44A is radially inward of, encircled by, and wholly within the pipeelbow 22, the second turning guide 44B is radially inward of, encircledby, and wholly within the first turning guide 44A, and the third turningguide 44C is radially inward of, encircled by, and wholly within thesecond turning guide 44B. In this embodiment, the first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C are shown asbeing concentric with each other and with the inner surface 38 of thepipe elbow 22. For the purposes of this specification, the definition ofconcentric is, “having a center in common” (Collins Dictionary).However, if desired, the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, and third turning guide 44C may be eccentric with respect to eachother and/or with respect to the pipe elbow 22. For example, the firstturning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44Cmay be offset relative to the pipe elbow 22 and relative to each otherif desired for a specific effect on the fluid 12. For the purposes ofthis specification, the definition of eccentric is, “not having the samecenter, as two circles one inside the other” (Collins Dictionary).

The first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turningguide 44C have a first thickness 50A, second thickness 50B, and thirdthickness 50C, respectively. The first thickness 50A is the radialdistance between the inner guide surface 52 and the outer guide surface54 of the first turning guide 44A. The second thickness 50B is theradial distance between the inner guide surface 52 and the outer guidesurface 54 of the second turning guide 44B. The third thickness 50C isthe radial distance between the inner guide surface 52 and the outerguide surface 54 of the third turning guide 44C. These thicknesses canvary if desired, and need not all be the same.

The inner guide surface 52 of the turning guides (i.e., first turningguide 44A, second turning guide 44B, third turning guide 44C,collectively 44A-C) faces generally radially away from inner surface 38and generally radially inward toward the axis 46 and contacts the fluid12. The outer guide surface 54 of the turning guides 44A-C facesradially outward toward the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 andcontacts the fluid 12. The inner guide surface 52 and the outer guidesurface 54 of any given turning guide 44A-C may be concentric withrespect to one another, or eccentric with respect to one another, as maybe desired for the resulting effect on the fluid 12.

Preferably, a first radial space 56A produces an annular region that islocated radially between the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 andthe first turning guide 44A. The first turning guide 44A is radiallyspaced from the pipe elbow 22 by the first radial space 56A. Preferably,the first radial space 56A is generally circular.

Preferably, there is a second radial space 56B that produces an annularregion that is located radially between the first turning guide 44A andthe second turning guide 44B. The second turning guide 44B is radiallyspaced from the first turning guide 44A by the second radial space 56B.Preferably, the second radial space 56B is generally circular.

Preferably, there is a third radial space 56C that produces an annularregion that is located radially between the second turning guide 44B andthe third turning guide 44C. The third turning guide 44C is radiallyspaced from the second turning guide 44B by the third radial space 56C.Preferably, the third radial space 56C is generally circular.Preferably, the first radial space 56A, second radial space 56B, andthird radial space 56C are each subdivided into flow channels 58 by thevanes 48. The vanes 48 serve to reduce the swirl of the flow of thefluid 12 that is caused by upstream piping elements such as elbows,valves, tees, etc.

There is also a flow channel 58 created by and radially inward of theinner guide surface 52 of the third turning guide 44C. The flow channels58 conduct the fluid 12. The flow channels 58 have an open end facingupstream and an open end facing downstream. Preferably, the upstreamopen end of the flow channels 58 face toward and in the same generaldirection as the first opening 26A, and the downstream open end of theflow channels 58 face toward and in the same general direction as thesecond opening 26B.

There are a plurality of vanes 48. Preferably, some of the vanes 48 arein (or at least partially within) the first radial space 56A, areoriented generally radially between and adjoin with or attach to theinner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 and the first turning guide 44A,and locate the first turning guide 44A relative to the pipe elbow 22.The term “adjoins” means, “to lie next to or in contact with”(Merriam-Webster's Dictionary). When this specification uses the phrase“adjoin with or attach to” (or slight variations thereof) the inventorsenvision that the structural members the phrase references can beassembled together and mechanically retained in place; or alternatelycan be assembled together and retained in place with a process such aswelding, brazing, or soldering; or alternately, can be manufacturedtogether as an integral structure through a process such asthree-dimensional printing (additive manufacturing) or investmentcasting.

Preferably, the vanes 48 in (or at least partially within) the firstradial space 56A are circumferentially spaced from each other andcircumferentially distributed around the first turning guide 44A, thevanes 48 dividing the first radial space 56A into a plurality of flowchannels 58 that turn/curve in generally the same at least one directionas the inner surface 38. If desired, the vanes 48 may be equally spacedin the circumferential direction, but if desired for the added benefitprovided, the vanes 48 may be unequally spaced in the circumferentialdirection.

Preferably, some of the vanes 48 that are in (or at least partiallywithin) the second radial space 56B, are oriented generally radiallybetween and adjoin with or attach to the first turning guide 44A and thesecond turning guide 44B, and locate the second turning guide 44Brelative to the pipe elbow 22. Preferably, the vanes 48 in (or at leastpartially within) the second radial space 56B are circumferentiallyspaced from each other and circumferentially distributed around thesecond turning guide 44B, the vanes 48 dividing the second radial space56B into a plurality of flow channels 58 that turn/curve in generallythe same at least one direction as the inner surface 38. If desired, thevanes 48 may be equally spaced in the circumferential direction, but ifdesired for the added benefit provided, the vanes 48 may be unequallyspaced in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, some of the vanes 48 that are in (or at least partiallywithin) the third radial space 56C, are oriented generally radiallybetween and adjoin with or attach to the second turning guide 44B andthe third turning guide 44C, and locate the third turning guide 44Crelative to the pipe elbow 22. Preferably, the vanes 48 in (or at leastpartially within) the third radial space 56C are circumferentiallyspaced from each other and circumferentially distributed around thethird turning guide 44C, the vanes 48 dividing the third radial space56C into a plurality of flow channels 58 that turn/curve in generallythe same at least one direction as the inner surface 38. If desired, thevanes 48 may be equally spaced in the circumferential direction, but ifdesired for the added benefit provided, the vanes 48 may be unequallyspaced in the circumferential direction.

The vanes 48 in the first radial space 56A, second radial space 56B, andthird radial space 56C have a first thickness 60A, second thickness 60B,and third thickness 60C, respectively. These thicknesses can vary ifdesired, and need not all be the same. Preferably, the vanes 48 have atleast two side surfaces 62 facing in generally opposite, generallycircumferential directions. The first thickness 60A is the distancebetween the side surfaces 62 of the vanes 48 in the first radial space56A. The second thickness 60B is the distance between the side surfaces62 of the vanes 48 in the second radial space 56B. The third thickness60C is the distance between the side surfaces 62 of the vanes 48 in thethird radial space 56C. The side surfaces 62 contact the fluid 12. Thevanes 48 with their side surfaces 62 in conjunction with the inner guidesurface 52 and the outer guide surface 54 of the first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C, formmultiple flow channels 58 which provide conduits for the fluid 12.

The first thickness 60A, second thickness 60B, and third thickness 60Cof the vanes 48 may vary from the first thickness 50A, second thickness50B, and third thickness 50C of the turning guides 44A-C. The firstradial space 56A, second radial space 56B, and third radial space 56Chave a plurality of vanes 48, respectively. If desired, the number ofvanes 48 in the first radial space 56A, second radial space 56B, andthird radial space 56C may vary.

The intersections of the vanes 48 with the outer guide surfaces 54 ofthe first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turningguide 44C produce vane inner corners 64 that are inside corners and maybe sharp or filleted. The intersections of the vanes 48 with the innersurface 38 and with the inner guide surfaces 52 of the first turningguide 44A and the second turning guide 44B produce vane outer corners 66that are inside corners and may be sharp or filleted.

FIG. 2F

FIG. 2F is a cross-section of one of the vanes 48 that is representativeof the cutting plane 2F-2F shown in FIG. 2D. If desired, the vanes 48may have a foil shape wherein the vane leading edge 80 is thicker andmore rounded than the vane trailing edge 82 and the vane trailing edge82 is more pointed (narrower, slenderer, thinner) than the vane leadingedge 80. Another way of describing the foil shape is that the vaneleading edge 80 is rounded and the thickness (i.e., first thickness 60A,second thickness 60B, third thickness 60C) of the vanes 48 graduallyincreases along the axial length of the vanes 48 from the vane leadingedge 80 toward the vane trailing edge 82 until it reaches a location ofmaximum thickness near the vane leading edge 80, followed by acontinuously narrowing thickness toward the vane trailing edge 82, anddefining a vane trailing edge 82 that can be sharp or blunt or roundedor chamfered, but in any case is smaller in thickness than the locationof maximum thickness near the vane leading edge 80.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are different views of the same embodiment of adownstream flow conditioner.

FIG. 3A

Referring now to FIG. 3A, the downstream flow conditioner is showngenerally at 4. FIG. 3A is a top view of the downstream flow conditioner4. The downstream flow conditioner 4 comprises a pipe element 102. Thepipe element 102 has an outer peripheral surface 104 that is annular andfaces generally radially outward and preferably is cylindrical.Preferably, the pipe element 102 has a first axial end 106A and a secondaxial end 106B that face in generally axial and generally oppositedirections away from each other. The first axial end 106A and the secondaxial end 106B are preferably annular, flat, and perpendicular to theflow direction 14 of the fluid. Preferably, the first axial end 106A issubstantially parallel to the second axial end 106B. It should beunderstood that, in service, the first axial end 106A and the secondaxial end 106B may be welded to or otherwise connected to other pipingelements, such as a pipe, a valve, a pipe tee, or an elbow. For example,the components could be flanged together. Preferably, the outerperipheral surface 104 is positioned in intermediate location to andadjoins the first axial end 106A and the second axial end 106B.

FIG. 3B

FIG. 3B is a longitudinal cross-section view of the downstream flowconditioner 4 that corresponds to the cutting plane 3B-3B that is shownin FIG. 3A. Referring now to FIG. 3B, the downstream flow conditioner 4,the pipe element 102, the outer peripheral surface 104, the first axialend 106A and the second axial end 106B are labeled for orientationpurposes. The downstream flow conditioner 4 includes at least one flowconditioning structure, shown generally at 108, that is located at leastpartially within the pipe element 102. Preferably, the outer peripheralsurface 104 of the pipe element 102 faces radially outward away from theflow conditioning structure 108. The axis of the pipe element 102 isshown at 109.

The pipe element 102 is an annular conduit for conducting the fluid 12.The pipe element 102 has a first end opening that is shown generally at110A and a second end opening that is shown generally at 110B.Preferably, the first end opening 110A and the second end opening 110Bface in generally axial and generally opposite directions away from eachother.

Preferably, the fluid 12 enters the downstream flow conditioner 4 viathe first end opening 110A and is conducted through the downstream flowconditioner 4 and exits the downstream flow conditioner 4 via the secondend opening 110B. In other words, preferably, the fluid 12 has a flowdirection 14 from the first end opening 110A to and through the secondend opening 110B.

Preferably, the flow conditioning structure 108 is positioned whollywithin the pipe element 102 and is positioned in intermediate locationto the first axial end 106A and the second axial end 106B and ispositioned in intermediate location to the first end opening 110A andthe second end opening 110B.

The pipe element 102 has an inner peripheral surface 112 that facesradially inward, away from the outer peripheral surface 104. The innerperipheral surface 112 is exposed to the fluid 12. Preferably, the innerperipheral surface 112 forms at least a portion of an axially orientedfluid passageway extending from the first end opening 110A to the secondend opening 110B. The inner peripheral surface 112 is preferably smoothand preferably generally cylindrical. Preferably, the flow conditioningstructure 108 terminates radially at and adjoins with or attaches to theinner peripheral surface 112. Preferably, the inner peripheral surface112 and the outer peripheral surface 104 face in generally oppositeradial directions, away from one another. Preferably, the innerperipheral surface 112 is positioned in intermediate location to andadjoins the first axial end 106A and the second axial end 106B.

Preferably, the inner peripheral surface 112 intersects the first axialend 106A to form a first inward corner 114A and intersects the secondaxial end 106B to form a second inward corner 114B. The first inwardcorner 114A and the second inward corner 114B are external corners andare preferably generally circular. Preferably, the first inward corner114A and the second inward corner 114B are located at the innerperipheral edges of the first axial end 106A and the second axial end106B, respectively. Preferably, the first inward corner 114A and thesecond inward corner 114B are located at the axial extremities of theinner peripheral surface 112.

Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 104 intersects the first axialend 106A to form a first outward corner 116A and intersects the secondaxial end 106B to form a second outward corner 116B. The first outwardcorner 116A and the second outward corner 116B are external corners andare preferably generally circular. Preferably, the first outward corner116A and the second outward corner 116B are located at the outerperipheral edges of the first axial end 106A and the second axial end106B, respectively. Preferably, the first outward corner 116A and thesecond outward corner 116B are located at the axial extremities of theouter peripheral surface 104.

The first axial end 106A is preferably positioned in an intermediatelocation to the first inward corner 114A and the first outward corner116A. The second axial end 106B is preferably positioned in anintermediate location to the second inward corner 114B and the secondoutward corner 116B. The first axial end 106A and the second axial end106B are in an intermediate location to the inner peripheral surface 112and outer peripheral surface 104 of the pipe element 102.

In the downstream flow conditioner 4, the flow conditioning structure108 has at least a first flow guide 118A. Also shown in this embodimentare a second flow guide 118B and a third flow guide 118C. The first flowguide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C of thedownstream flow conditioner 4 have the function of smoothing andconditioning the flow of the fluid 12. Although a first flow guide 118A,a second flow guide 118B, and a third flow guide 118C are shown, thequantity of these elements can be more or less than three to suit thesize of the pipe element 102. For example, if the pipe element 102 issmall, it may only benefit from a first flow guide 118A, and may notbenefit from a second flow guide 118B and a third flow guide 118C. Foranother example, if the pipe element 102 is large, it may benefit frommore than just a first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C.

Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 104 is located radially outwardfrom and encircles the fluid 12, the inner peripheral surface 112, andthe flow conditioning structure 108. Preferably, the fluid 12, the innerperipheral surface 112, and the flow conditioning structure 108 arelocated radially inward from and encircled by the outer peripheralsurface 104. Preferably, the flow conditioning structure 108 is recessedaxially relative to the first axial end 106A.

Preferably, the first axial end 106A and a second axial end 106B of thepipe element 102 are perpendicular to the axis 109 of the pipe element102. Preferably the outer peripheral surface 104 of the pipe element 102is smooth, annular and generally circular at any given cross-sectionthat is perpendicular to the axis 109 of the pipe element 102. The outerperipheral surface 104 faces radially outward and away from the axis109.

The flow conditioning structure 108 also includes a plurality of supportvanes 120 that position and support the first flow guide 118A, secondflow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C and locate them relative tothe pipe element 102. Section 3-4.2.1 of ANSI Y14.3-1975 has beeninterpreted to mean that the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide118B, and third flow guide 118C of the downstream flow conditioner 4should be crosshatched in sectional view, while the support vanes 120that are at the cutting plane should be drawn in outline form withoutcrosshatch lines to avoid conveying a false impression ofcircumferential solidity.

Some of the support vanes 120 are located radially between and adjoinwith or attach to the pipe element 102 and the first flow guide 118A,and may generally be referred to as a first plurality of support vanes120, and locate, bear the weight of, and bear the hydraulic forcesacting on, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C. Some of the support vanes 120 are located radiallybetween and adjoin with or attach to the first flow guide 118A and thesecond flow guide 118B, and may generally be referred to as a secondplurality of support vanes 120, and bear the weight of, and thehydraulic forces acting on, the second flow guide 118B and the thirdflow guide 118C. Some of the support vanes 120 are located radiallybetween and adjoin with or attach to the second flow guide 118B and thethird flow guide 118C, and may generally be referred to as a thirdplurality of support vanes 120, and bear the weight of, and thehydraulic forces acting on, the third flow guide 118C. It should beunderstood that although a specific number of support vanes 120 areillustrated, such is not intended to limit the invention, which admitsto the use of a quantity of support vanes 120 that are different thanshown.

Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C are generally circular when viewed in transversecross-section. The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C, each have a radial thickness 122. The radialthickness 122 of the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C need not be the same.

The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C each have a guide inner surface 124 that faces in a generallyradially inward direction toward the axis 109 and generally away fromthe inner peripheral surface 112 of the pipe element 102 and hasgenerally the same axial orientation as the inner peripheral surface112.

The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C each have a guide outer surface 126 that faces in a generallyradially outward direction toward the inner peripheral surface 112 ofthe pipe element 102 and generally away from the axis 109. Preferably,on each of the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C, the guide inner surface 124 and the guide outer surface126 face generally away from one another. Preferably, on each of thefirst flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C, the guide inner surface 124 and the guide outer surface 126 aregenerally concentric with each other. Preferably, on each of the firstflow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C, theguide inner surface 124 and the guide outer surface 126 are generallyconcentric with the inner peripheral surface 112 of the pipe element102. Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C are concentric with each other and with the pipeelement 102. Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide118B, and third flow guide 118C have generally the same axialorientation as the inner peripheral surface 112 of the pipe element 102.

Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C are at least partially within the pipe element 102.Preferably, the third flow guide 118C is radially inward of, encircledby, and wholly within the second flow guide 118B. Preferably, the secondflow guide 118B is radially inward of, encircled by, and wholly withinthe first flow guide 118A. Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, secondflow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C are radially inward of,encircled by, and wholly within the pipe element 102.

The radial thickness 122 of the first flow guide 118A is the radialdistance between the guide inner surface 124 and the guide outer surface126 of the first flow guide 118A. The radial thickness 122 of the secondflow guide 118B is the radial distance between the guide inner surface124 and the guide outer surface 126 of the second flow guide 118B. Theradial thickness 122 of the third flow guide 118C is the radial distancebetween the guide inner surface 124 and the guide outer surface 126 ofthe third flow guide 118C. On the first flow guide 118A, second flowguide 118B, and third flow guide 118C, the guide inner surface 124 facesradially away from the inner peripheral surface 112 and radially inwardtoward the axis 109 and contacts and guides the fluid 12. On the firstflow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C, theguide outer surface 126 faces in a generally radially outward directiontoward the inner peripheral surface 112 of the pipe element 102 andcontacts and guides the fluid 12.

Preferably, there is a first conditioner region 128A that is an annularregion that is located radially between the first flow guide 118A andthe inner peripheral surface 112. Preferably, the first flow guide 118Ais radially spaced from the pipe element 102 by the first conditionerregion 128A. Preferably, the first conditioner region 128A is generallycircular.

Preferably, there is a second conditioner region 128B that is an annularregion that is located radially between the first flow guide 118A andthe second flow guide 118B. Preferably, the second flow guide 118B isradially spaced from the first flow guide 118A by the second conditionerregion 128B. Preferably, the second conditioner region 128B is generallycircular.

Preferably, there is a third conditioner region 128C that is the annularregion that is located radially between the second flow guide 118B andthe third flow guide 118C. Preferably, the third conditioner region 128Cis generally circular. Preferably, the third flow guide 118C is radiallyspaced from the second flow guide 118B by the third conditioner region128C.

Preferably, the first conditioner region 128A, second conditioner region128B, and third conditioner region 128C are each subdivided intodiscrete flow passages 129 by the support vanes 120 that are located atleast partially within the first conditioner region 128A, secondconditioner region 128B, and third conditioner region 128C. Preferably,the region radially inward from the third flow guide 118C also serves asone of the flow passages 129. The flow passages 129 defined by the firstflow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, third flow guide 118C and thesupport vanes 120 conduct and direct the fluid 12 to substantiallyreduce secondary flow of the fluid 12 inside the pipe element 102. Theflow passages 129 have an open end facing upstream and an open endfacing downstream. Preferably, the upstream open end of the flowpassages 129 face toward and in the same general direction as the firstend opening 110A, and the downstream open end of the flow passages 129face toward and in the same general direction as the second end opening110B.

Each of the plurality of support vanes 120 have a thickness in agenerally circumferentially oriented direction. The thickness of thesupport vanes 120 is not to achieve strength, but to cause area blockageto build a pressure gradient to redirect the flow of the fluid 12. Thequantity of and thickness of the support vanes 120 can vary as desired.

Preferably, the support vanes 120 in the first conditioner region 128Aare located and oriented generally radially between the first flow guide118A and the inner peripheral surface 112 and are circumferentiallyspaced from each other and circumferentially distributed around thefirst flow guide 118A.

Preferably, the support vanes 120 in the second conditioner region 128Bare located and oriented generally radially between the first flow guide118A and the second flow guide 118B and are circumferentially spacedfrom each other and circumferentially distributed around the second flowguide 118B.

Preferably, the support vanes 120 in the third conditioner region 128Care located and oriented generally radially between the second flowguide 118B and the third flow guide 118C and are circumferentiallyspaced from each other and circumferentially distributed around thethird flow guide 118C.

The intersections between the support vanes 120 and the first flow guide118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C, and innerperipheral surface 112 produce conditioner corners 130 that are insidecorners and may be sharp or filleted.

Preferably, the pipe element 102 is located radially outward of andencircles the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C, and the support vanes 120. Preferably, the first flowguide 118A is located radially outward of and encircles the second flowguide 118B and the third flow guide 118C. Preferably, the second flowguide 118B is located radially outward of and encircles the third flowguide 118C. Preferably, the first flow guide 118A is positioned inradially intermediate location to the pipe element 102 and the secondflow guide 118B. Preferably, the second flow guide 118B is positioned inradially intermediate location to the first flow guide 118A and thethird flow guide 118C.

If desired, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C can have a generally foil shaped cross-section as shown.The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C have an upstream guide end 132 and a downstream guide end 134, withthe terms “upstream” and “downstream” referencing the preferred flowdirection 14 of the fluid 12. The upstream guide end 132 of the firstflow guide 118A is closer than the downstream guide end 134 of the firstflow guide 118A to the first end opening 110A and the upstream guide end132 of the second flow guide 118B is closer than the downstream guideend 134 of the second flow guide 118B to the first end opening 110A, andthe upstream guide end 132 of the third flow guide 118C is closer thanthe downstream guide end 134 of the third flow guide 118C to the firstend opening 110A.

By the term “foil shaped” what is meant herein is that the upstreamguide end 132 has a rounded streamlined shape and the downstream guideend 134 is thinner (slenderer) and more pointed. This is most easilyunderstood when viewing the flow guides (i.e., first flow guide 118A,second flow guide 118B, third flow guide 118C, collectively 118A-C) inlongitudinal cross-section. The purpose of the foil shape of the flowguides 118A-C is to reduce drag, turbulence, and associated noise. Ifdesired, the flow guides 118A-C can be adjusted in their shape and“angle of attack” with respect to the flow direction 14 of the fluid 12in order to sculpt the flow by exploiting Bernoulli's principle.

It should be understood that, as simplifications, the cross-sectionalshapes of the flow guides 118A-C can be something other than a foilshape. For example, as a simplification, the guide inner surface 124 andguide outer surface 126 of the flow guides 118A-C could be generallyparallel, and the upstream guide end 132 and downstream guide end 134could be generally flat, chamfered, or generally convex.

If desired, the upstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A andthe second flow guide 118B can be axially offset by guide offsetdimension 136A, and the upstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide118A and the third flow guide 118C can be axially offset by guide offsetdimension 136B, with guide offset dimension 136B being greater thanguide offset dimension 136A, such that the second flow guide 118B isaxially more distant from the first axial end 106A of the pipe element102 compared to the first flow guide 118A, and such that the third flowguide 118C is axially more distant from the first axial end 106A of thepipe element 102 compared to the second flow guide 118B. This isreferred to as a delayed start configuration.

Another way to describe the delayed start configuration follows. Theupstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A is axially offsetfrom the upstream guide end 132 of the second flow guide 118B, theupstream guide end 132 of the second flow guide 118B being more recessedthan the upstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A relative tothe first axial end 106A, or relative to the first end opening 110A.

Another way to describe the delayed start configuration follows. Theupstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A is closer than theupstream guide end 132 of the second flow guide 118B to the first endopening 110A, and the upstream guide end 132 of the second flow guide118B is closer than the upstream guide end 132 of the third flow guide118C to the first end opening 110A.

If desired, as a simplification, guide offset dimension 136A and guideoffset dimension 136B can be substantially zero, such that the firstflow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C arethe same axial distance from the first axial end 106A of the pipeelement 102, and such that the upstream guide end 132 of the first flowguide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C arelocated substantially on the same plane.

Preferably, the axial lengths of the support vanes 120 are less than(i.e., shorter than) the axial lengths of the first flow guide 118A,second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C, to facilitatecircumferential balancing of the pressure of the fluid 12. For example,the support vanes 120 that locate the first flow guide 118A have anaxial length between the vane upstream end 140 and the vane downstreamend 142 and the first flow guide 118A has an axial length between itsupstream guide end 132 and its downstream guide end 134, and the axiallength of the first flow guide 118A is longer than the axial length ofthe support vanes 120 that locate the first flow guide 118A, and theaxial length of the support vanes 120 that locate the first flow guide118A is shorter than the axial length of the first flow guide 118A.

If desired, the upstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A canbe closer than the downstream guide end 134 of the first flow guide 118Ato the pipe element 102. If desired, the upstream guide end 132 of thesecond flow guide 118B can be closer than the downstream guide end 134of the second flow guide 118B to the pipe element 102. If desired, theupstream guide end 132 of the third flow guide 118C can be closer thanthe downstream guide end 134 of the third flow guide 118C to the pipeelement 102.

Preferably, the upstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A iscloser to the first end opening 110A than the vane upstream ends 140 ofthe support vanes 120 that support and locate the first flow guide 118A.Preferably, the upstream guide end 132 of the second flow guide 118B iscloser to the first end opening 110A than the vane upstream ends 140 ofthe support vanes 120 that support and locate the second flow guide118B. Preferably, the upstream guide end 132 of the third flow guide118C is closer to the first end opening 110A than the vane upstream ends140 of the support vanes 120 that support and locate the third flowguide 118C.

Preferably, the downstream guide end 134 of the first flow guide 118A iscloser to the second end opening 110B than the vane downstream ends 142of the support vanes 120 that support and locate the first flow guide118A. Preferably, the downstream guide end 134 of the second flow guide118B is closer to the second end opening 110B than the vane downstreamends 142 of the support vanes 120 that support and locate the secondflow guide 118B. Preferably, the downstream guide end 134 of the thirdflow guide 118C is closer to the second end opening 110B than the vanedownstream ends 142 of the support vanes 120 that support and locate thethird flow guide 118C.

Preferably, the vane upstream end 140 of at least one of the supportvanes 120 locating the first flow guide 118A is farther than theupstream guide end 132 of the first flow guide 118A from the first endopening 110A. Preferably, the vane upstream end 140 of at least one ofthe support vanes 120 locating the second flow guide 118B is fartherthan the upstream guide end 132 of the second flow guide 118B from thefirst end opening 110A. Preferably, the vane upstream end 140 of atleast one of the support vanes 120 locating the third flow guide 118C isfarther than the upstream guide end 132 of the third flow guide 118Cfrom the first end opening 110A.

Preferably, the vane downstream end 142 of at least one of the supportvanes 120 locating the first flow guide 118A is farther than thedownstream guide end 134 of the first flow guide 118A from the secondend opening 110B. Preferably, the vane downstream end 142 of at leastone of the support vanes 120 locating the second flow guide 118B isfarther than the downstream guide end 134 of the second flow guide 118Bfrom the second end opening 110B. Preferably, the vane downstream end142 of at least one of the support vanes 120 locating the third flowguide 118C is farther than the downstream guide end 134 of the thirdflow guide 118C from the second end opening 110B.

If desired, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C may incorporate flow guide vents 146 that form holeswhich penetrate the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C in a generally radial direction. For example, aflow guide vent 146 in the first flow guide 118A forms a hole in thefirst flow guide 118A passing in a generally radial direction throughthe first flow guide 118A from a guide inner surface 124 to a guideouter surface 126. The flow guide vents 146 can be any desired shape,such as the obround and round holes that are shown, or other slotshapes, such as holes that extend generally circumferentially from oneof the support vanes 120 to another. The flow guide vents 146 enable thepressure of the fluid 12 to somewhat equalize radially between adjacentflow passages 129. If desired, the flow guide vents 146 can also be oneor more axial slots that extend completely through the axial length ofone or more of the flow guides 118A-C such that the flow guides areC-shaped or segmented, rather than annular in form.

FIG. 3C

FIG. 3C is a cross-section of the downstream flow conditioner 4 that isrepresentative of the cutting plane 3C-3C shown in FIG. 3B andillustrates a preferred cross-sectional shape of one of the supportvanes 120. The pipe element 102, first axial end 106A, second axial end106B, and inner peripheral surface 112 are labeled for orientationpurposes. Preferably, the support vanes 120 have at least two vane flanksurfaces 138 facing in generally opposite, generally circumferentialdirections that contact the fluid 12. The support vanes 120 have a vaneupstream end 140 and a vane downstream end 142, the vane upstream end140 being closer than the vane downstream end 142 to the first endopening 110A and the vane downstream end 142 being closer than the vaneupstream end 140 to the second end opening 110B. The terms “upstream”and “downstream” reference the preferred flow direction 14 of the fluid12.

If desired, the support vanes 120 may have a streamlined foil shapewherein the vane upstream end 140 is thicker and more rounded than thevane downstream end 142 and the vane downstream end 142 is slenderer(narrower, thinner) and pointed than the vane upstream end 140. In FIG.3C, beginning at the vane upstream end 140 and working downstream towardthe vane downstream end 142, the vane flank surfaces 138 curve away fromone another and then curve toward one another causing the vane flanksurfaces 138 to have a locally convex shape, and then continue to curvetoward one another causing the vane flank surfaces 138 to have a locallyconcave shape, and then the remainder of the vane flank surfaces 138 aresubstantially parallel.

The purpose of the foil shape of the support vanes 120 is to reducedrag, turbulence, and associated noise. If desired, the support vanes120 can be adjusted in their shape and “angle of attack” with respect tothe flow direction 14 of the fluid 12 in order to sculpt the flow byexploiting Bernoulli's principle.

It should be understood that, as simplifications, the cross-sectionalshapes of the support vanes 120 can be something other than a foilshape. For example, as a simplification, the vane flank surfaces 138 ofthe support vanes 120 could be generally parallel, and the vane upstreamend 140 and vane downstream end 142 could be generally flat, chamfered,or generally convex.

Preferably, the vane flank surfaces 138 face in generallycircumferential directions. Preferably, the vane flank surfaces 138 ofthe support vanes 120 face in generally opposite directions, away fromeach other.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are different views of a simplified embodiment of anintegral elbow flow conditioner wherein the foil shape has been omittedas a simplification.

FIG. 4A

FIG. 4A is a front view of the simplified integral elbow flowconditioner 2. The integral elbow flow conditioner 2 comprises a pipeelbow 22 and at least a first flow conditioning element 24A that ispreferably contained within the pipe elbow 22. The first end surface28A, second end surface 28B, and vane outer corners 66 are labeled fororientation purposes.

The at least one first flow conditioning element 24A comprises aplurality of vanes 48 and at least a first turning guide 44A, and inthis embodiment a second turning guide 44B, and a third turning guide44C are also incorporated.

The radial space between the first turning guide 44A, second turningguide 44B, and third turning guide 44C is subdivided into flow channels58 by the vanes 48. There is also a flow channel 58 created by andradially inward of the third turning guide 44C. The flow channels 58 areconduits for the fluid 12.

The vanes 48 have a thickness 60. In this embodiment, the thickness 60remains constant along the length of the vanes 48, rather than the vanes48 having a foil shape.

FIG. 4B

FIG. 4B is a longitudinal cross-section view of the integral elbow flowconditioner 2 which represents the cutting plane 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. Thefirst flow conditioning element 24A, second flow conditioning element24B, and third flow conditioning element 24C, first end surface 28A andsecond end surface 28B are labeled for orientation purposes.

The pipe elbow 22 has a curved section 34 that is positioned in anintermediate location to the first end surface 28A and second endsurface 28B. If desired, the pipe elbow 22 may also have a firststraight section 36A and a second straight section 36B.

The first flow conditioning element 24A, second flow conditioningelement 24B, and third flow conditioning element 24C are each composedof a first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, third turningguide 44C, and vanes 48. There is a first fluid settling chamber 70Abetween the first flow conditioning element 24A and the second flowconditioning element 24B, and a second fluid settling chamber 70Bbetween the second flow conditioning element 24B and the third flowconditioning element 24C.

The first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turningguide 44C have a first thickness 50A, second thickness 50B, and thirdthickness 50C, respectively. As shown, the first thickness 50A, secondthickness 50B, and third thickness 50C can remain substantially constantthroughout the length of the first turning guide 44A, second turningguide 44B, and third turning guide 44C.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section view of a simplified embodimentof an integral elbow flow conditioner 2 wherein the foil shape, thesecond and third flow conditioning elements, the first and secondstraight sections of the pipe elbow, vane vents, guide vents, and thefirst and second fluid settling chambers that were shown in previousfigures have been omitted as a simplification. The pipe elbow 22, firstflow conditioning element 24A, first opening 26A, second opening 26B,first end surface 28A, second end surface 28B, outer surface 30, innersurface 38, first inner corner 40A, second inner corner 40B, first outercorner 42A, second outer corner 42B, first turning guide 44A, secondturning guide 44B, third turning guide 44C, axis 46, vanes 48, firstthickness 50A, second thickness 50B, third thickness 50C, guide leadingedges 76, guide trailing edges 78, vane leading edge 80, and vanetrailing edge 82 are labeled for orientation purposes.

As shown, the first flow conditioning element 24A can, if desired,extend from at or near the first end surface 28A to at or near thesecond end surface 28B. In this embodiment, the first flow conditioningelement 24A comprises a first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, and third turning guide 44C, and a plurality of vanes 48. As shown,the first thickness 50A of the first turning guide 44A can, if desired,be constant throughout the length of the first turning guide 44A. Asshown, the second thickness 50B of the second turning guide 44B can, ifdesired, be constant throughout the length of the second turning guide44B. As shown, the third thickness 50C of the third turning guide 44Ccan, if desired, be constant throughout the length of the third turningguide 44C. As shown, the guide leading edges 76 and vane leading edges80 can be even with the first end surface 28A if desired. As shown, theguide trailing edges 78 and vane trailing edges 82 can be even with thesecond end surface 28B if desired.

FIGS. 6-A to 6-C are different views of a simplified embodiment of adownstream flow conditioner that does not have the delayed start thatwas depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 6A

Referring now to FIG. 6A, a top view of a simplified downstream flowconditioner is shown generally at 4. FIG. 6A includes a cutting plane6B-6B and a view plane 6C-6C. FIG. 6B represents the cross-section atcutting plane 6B-6B and FIG. 6C represents the end view at view plane6C-6C.

The downstream flow conditioner 4 includes a pipe element 102 with anouter peripheral surface 104 that is annular and preferably cylindricaland faces generally radially outward. Preferably, the pipe element 102has a first axial end 106A and a second axial end 106B that face ingenerally axial and generally opposite directions away from each otherand are substantially parallel to each other.

FIG. 6B

FIG. 6B is a longitudinal cross-section view of the simplifieddownstream flow conditioner 4 that corresponds to cutting plane 6B-6B inFIG. 6A. The fluid 12, pipe element 102, outer peripheral surface 104,first axial end 106A, second axial end 106B, flow conditioning structure108, pipe axis 109, first end opening 110A, second end opening 110B,inner peripheral surface 112, first inward corner 114A, second inwardcorner 114B, first outward corner 116A, and second outward corner 116Bare labeled for orientation purposes. The first axial end 106A andsecond axial end 106B are preferably annular, flat, and perpendicular tothe preferred flow direction 14 of the fluid 12 and may be connected toother piping elements in service.

Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 104 of the pipe element 102faces radially outward away from the flow conditioning structure 108 andis positioned in intermediate location to and adjoins the first axialend 106A and the second axial end 106B.

Preferably, the fluid 12 enters the downstream flow conditioner 4 viathe first end opening 110A and is conducted through the downstream flowconditioner 4 and exits the downstream flow conditioner 4 via the secondend opening 110B.

Preferably, the flow conditioning structure 108 is positioned whollywithin the pipe element 102 in intermediate location to the first axialend 106A and the second axial end 106B and in intermediate location tothe first end opening 110A and the second end opening 110B. Preferably,the flow conditioning structure 108 terminates at and adjoins with orattaches to the inner peripheral surface 112.

The flow conditioning structure 108 has at least a first flow guide118A. Also shown in this embodiment are a second flow guide 118B and athird flow guide 118C. The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide118B, and third flow guide 118C smooth and condition the flow of thefluid 12. Although a first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C are shown, the quantity of these elements can bemore or less than three to suit the size of the pipe element 102.Preferably, the flow conditioning structure 108 is recessed axially(offset axially) relative to the first axial end 106A.

The flow conditioning structure 108 also includes a plurality of supportvanes 120 that position and support the first flow guide 118A, secondflow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C. Some of the support vanes120 are located radially between and adjoin with or attach to the pipeelement 102 and the first flow guide 118A and locate, bear the weightof, and resist the hydraulic forces acting on, the first flow guide118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C. Some of thesupport vanes 120 are located radially between and adjoin with or attachto the first flow guide 118A and the second flow guide 118B and locate,bear the weight of, and resist the hydraulic forces acting on, thesecond flow guide 118B and the third flow guide 118C. Some of thesupport vanes 120 are located radially between and adjoin with or attachto the second flow guide 118B and the third flow guide 118C and locate,bear the weight of, and resist the hydraulic forces acting on, the thirdflow guide 118C.

Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C are generally circular when viewed in transversecross-section and have a radial thickness 122 that varies in astreamlined foil cross-sectional shape, becoming thinner (narrower,slenderer) toward the second end opening 110B and becoming wider/thickertoward the first end opening 110A.

The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C each have a guide inner surface 124 that faces in a generallyradially inward direction toward the axis 109 and radially away from theinner peripheral surface 112, and each have a guide outer surface 126that faces in a generally radially outward direction toward the innerperipheral surface 112 of the pipe element 102 and away from the axis109. Preferably, with each of the first flow guide 118A, second flowguide 118B and third flow guide 118C, the guide inner surface 124 andthe guide outer surface 126 face generally away from one another, aregenerally concentric with each other, and are generally concentric withthe inner peripheral surface 112 of the pipe element 102 (i.e.preferably the axes are generally collinear). Preferably, the first flowguide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C areconcentric with each other and with the pipe element 102 and are whollyinside the pipe element 102. If desired, the flow guides can be locatedeccentric to one another to address flow conditioning requirements.Preferably, the third flow guide 118C is radially inward of, encircledby, and at least partially within the second flow guide 118B.Preferably, the second flow guide 118B is radially inward of, encircledby, and at least partially within the first flow guide 118A. Preferably,the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C are radially inward of, encircled by, and wholly within the pipeelement 102. The first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C contact and guide the fluid 12.

There is a first conditioner region 128A that is an annular regionlocated radially between the inner peripheral surface 112 and the firstflow guide 118A and preferably is generally circular. There is a secondconditioner region 128B that is an annular region located radiallybetween the first flow guide 118A and the second flow guide 118B andpreferably is generally circular. There is a third conditioner region128C that is an annular region located radially between the second flowguide 118B and the third flow guide 118C and preferably is generallycircular.

Preferably, portions of the first conditioner region 128A, secondconditioner region 128B, and third conditioner region 128C aresubdivided into discrete flow passages 129 by the support vanes 120.Preferably, at least some of the support vanes 120 have generally thesame axial orientation as the inner peripheral surface 112. The areawithin the guide inner surface 124 of the third flow guide 118C alsoserves as a flow passage 129 for the fluid 12. The flow passages 129defined by the inner peripheral surface 112, first flow guide 118A,second flow guide 118B, third flow guide 118C and the support vanes 120conduct and direct the fluid 12 and substantially reduce secondary flowof the fluid 12 inside the pipe element 102. Secondary flow, thecreation of Dean vortices in an elbow for example, is when some of theflow velocity is no longer in the direction of the pipe axis 109.

Preferably, the support vanes 120 in the first conditioner region 128Aare located and oriented generally radially between the first flow guide118A and the inner peripheral surface 112. Preferably, the support vanes120 in the second conditioner region 128B are located and orientedgenerally radially between the first flow guide 118A and the second flowguide 118B. Preferably, the support vanes 120 in the third conditionerregion 128C are located and oriented generally radially between thesecond flow guide 118B and the third flow guide 118C.

Preferably, the pipe element 102 is located radially outward of andencircles the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C, and the support vanes 120. Preferably, the first flowguide 118A is located radially outward of and encircles the second flowguide 118B and the third flow guide 118C. Preferably, the second flowguide 118B is located radially outward of and encircles the third flowguide 118C. Preferably, the first flow guide 118A is positioned in aradially intermediate location to the pipe element 102 and the secondflow guide 118B. Preferably, the second flow guide 118B is positioned ina radially intermediate location to the first flow guide 118A and thethird flow guide 118C.

Preferably, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C have a generally foil shaped cross-section as shown. Thefirst flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118Chave an upstream guide end 132 and a downstream guide end 134, with theterms “upstream” and “downstream” referencing the preferred flowdirection 14 of the fluid 12. By the term “foil shaped” what is meantherein is that the upstream guide ends 132 have a rounded streamlinedshape and the downstream guide ends 134 are narrower (slenderer,thinner) and more pointed. The purpose of the foil shape of the firstflow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C is toreduce drag, turbulence, and associated noise. If desired, the firstflow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C canbe adjusted in their shape and “angle of attack” (as shown) with respectto the flow direction 14 of the fluid 12 in order to sculpt the flow byexploiting Bernoulli's principle. As shown, the first flow guide 118A,second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide 118C can be slightlyconical if desired. For example, if desired the upstream guide end 132of the first flow guide 118A can be closer than the downstream guide end134 of the first flow guide 118A to the pipe element 102; the upstreamguide end 132 of the second flow guide 118B can be closer than thedownstream guide end 134 of the second flow guide 118B to the pipeelement 102; and the upstream guide end 132 of the third flow guide 118Ccan be closer than the downstream guide end 134 of the third flow guide118C to the pipe element 102.

It should be understood that, as simplifications, the cross-sectionalshapes of the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C can be something other than a foil shape. For example,as a simplification, the guide inner surface 124 and guide outer surface126 of the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flowguide 118C could be generally parallel, and the upstream guide end 132and downstream guide end 134 could be generally flat, chamfered, orgenerally convex.

If desired, the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and thirdflow guide 118C can be the same axial distance from the first axial end106A of the pipe element 102, such that the upstream guide end 132 ofthe first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, and third flow guide118C are located substantially on the same plane.

Preferably, the axial lengths of the support vanes 120 are less than theaxial lengths of the first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, andthird flow guide 118C, to facilitate circumferential balancing of thepressure of the fluid 12.

The support vanes 120 have a vane upstream end 140 and a vane downstreamend 142. If desired, the support vanes 120 may also have a streamlinedfoil shape wherein the vane upstream end 140 is more rounded and a vanedownstream end 142 is more pointed, as previously discussed inconjunction with FIG. 3C. It should be understood that, assimplifications, the cross-sectional shapes of the support vanes 120 canbe something other than a foil shape. For example, as a simplification,the vane flank surfaces 138 of the support vanes 120 could be generallyparallel, and the vane upstream end 140 and vane downstream end 142could be generally flat, chamfered, or generally convex. Preferably, thevane flank surfaces 138 face in generally circumferential directions.

FIG. 6C

FIG. 6C is an end view of the downstream flow conditioner 4 thatcorresponds to the view plane 6C-6C that is shown in FIG. 6A. The fluid12, pipe element 102, outer peripheral surface 104, first axial end106A, flow conditioning structure 108, axis 109, inner peripheralsurface 112, first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, third flowguide 118C, support vanes 120, radial thickness 122, conditioner corners130, and vane flank surfaces 138 are labeled for orientation purposes.

It should be understood that while a specific number of support vanes120 are illustrated, such is not intended to limit the invention, whichadmits to the use of a quantity of support vanes 120 that are differentthan shown.

Each of the plurality of support vanes 120 has a vane thickness 144 in agenerally circumferentially oriented direction. The vane thickness 144of the support vanes 120 is not to achieve strength, but to cause areablockage to build a pressure gradient to redirect the flow of the fluid12.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 is an end view of an embodiment of a downstream flow conditioner4 that is included to show a previously described variation of the flowguide vents 146. The pipe element 102, outer peripheral surface 104,first axial end 106A, first end opening 110A, inner peripheral surface112, first flow guide 118A, second flow guide 118B, third flow guide118C, flow passages 129, upstream guide end 132, vane upstream end 140,and flow guide vents 146 are labeled for orientation purposes.

If desired, the flow guide vents 146 can cut/pass entirely through theaxial length of the flow guides (i.e., first flow guide 118A, secondflow guide 118B, third flow guide 118C) from the upstream guide end 132to the downstream guide end. The flow guide vents 146 enable thepressure of the fluid 12 to somewhat equalize radially between adjacentflow passages 129.

FIG. 8

FIG. 8 is an end view of an embodiment of an integral elbow flowconditioner 2 that is included to show a previously described variationof the guide vents 74. The pipe elbow 22, first flow conditioningelement 24A, first opening 26A, first end surface 28A, second endsurface 28B, outer surface 30, inner surface 38, first inner corner 40A,first outer corner 42A, first turning guide 44A, second turning guide44B, third turning guide 44C, axis 46, vanes 48, flow channels 58, guideleading edges 76, vane leading edges 80 are labeled for orientationpurposes.

If desired, the guide vents 74 can cut entirely through the length ofthe first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turningguide 44C from the guide leading edges 76 to the guide trailing edges.The guide vents 74 enable the pressure of the fluid 12 to somewhatequalize radially between adjacent flow channels 58.

FIG. 9

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integral elbow flowconditioner 2 that is included to show a previously described variationof the circumferential distribution of the vanes 48. The fluid 12, pipeelbow 22, first flow conditioning element 24A, first opening 26A, secondopening 26B, first end surface 28A, second end surface 28B, outersurface 30, inner surface 38, first outer corner 42A, second outercorner 42B, first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, thirdturning guide 44C, vane inner corners 64, vane outer corners 66, guideleading edges 76, guide trailing edges 78, vane leading edges 80, andvane trailing edge 82 are labeled for orientation purposes.

Preferably, the inner surface 38 extends from the first opening 26A tothe second opening 26B. Preferably, the inner surface 38 turns/curves inat least one direction and forms at least a portion of a curved fluidpassageway extending from the first opening 26A to the second opening26B. Preferably, the first turning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B,third turning guide 44C, and vanes 48 turn/curve in generally the sameat least one direction as the inner surface 38.

If desired, the radial distance between the inner surface 38 and thefirst turning guide 44A can be less than the radial distance between thefirst turning guide 44A and the second turning guide 44B. If desired,the radial distance between the first turning guide 44A and the secondturning guide 44B can be less than the radial distance between thesecond turning guide 44B and the third turning guide 44C.

The vane inner corners 64 of the vanes 48 have a curved length thatextends from the vane leading edge 80 to the vane trailing edge 82.Because of the bend in the turning guides (i.e., first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, third turning guide 44C), the curvedlength of the vane inner corners 64 varies depending on the location ofthe vane inner corners 64 on a particular turning guide.

For the purpose of improved understanding, the first opening 26A hasbeen assigned a 0-degree location and a 180-degree location. The curvedlength of the vane inner corners 64 that are nearer to the 180-degreelocation are longer than the curved length of the vane inner corners 64that are nearer to the 0-degree location. The closer the vane innercorners 64 are to the 180-degree location, the longer their curvedlength. The closer the vane inner corners 64 are to the 0-degreelocation, the shorter their curved length.

With the vanes 48 that are located radially between the inner surface 38and the first turning guide 44A, the circumferential spacing distancebetween some of the vanes 48 with a longer curved length is less thanthe circumferential spacing distance between some of the vanes with ashorter curved length. In other words, some of the vanes nearer the180-degree location are spaced closer together than some of the vanesnearer the 0-degree location.

With the vanes 48 that are located radially between the first turningguide 44A and the second turning guide 44B, the circumferential spacingdistance between some of the vanes 48 with a longer curved length isless than the circumferential spacing distance between some of the vaneswith a shorter curved length. In other words, some of the vanes nearerthe 180-degree location are spaced closer together than some of thevanes nearer the 0-degree location.

With the vanes 48 that are located radially between the second turningguide 44B and the third turning guide 44C, the circumferential spacingdistance between some of the vanes 48 with a longer curved length isless than the circumferential spacing distance between some of the vaneswith a shorter curved length. This uneven distribution of the vanes 48beneficially increases flow resistance to the fluid 12 near the180-degree location. In other words, some of the vanes nearer the180-degree location are spaced closer together than some of the vanesnearer the 0-degree location.

One other way to describe the uneven distribution of the vanes follows.Junctures between the vanes 48 and a specific turning guide (i.e., firstturning guide 44A, second turning guide 44B, or third turning guide 44C)form vane inner corners 64 that are inside corners and have a curvedlength that extends from the vane leading edge 80 to the vane trailingedge 82, and at least some vanes 48 with vane inner corners 64 having alonger curved length are spaced closer together than at least some vanes48 that have vane inner corners 64 which have a shorter curved length.

One other way to describe the uneven distribution of the vanes follows.The vane leading edge 80 and the vane trailing edge 82 of each of thevanes 48 that locate a specific turning guide (i.e., first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, or third turning guide 44C) are separatedby a straight line distance, at least some of the vanes 48 having alonger straight line distance separating the vane leading edge 80 of avane 48 from its vane trailing edge 82 compared to other of the vanes 48having a shorter straight line distance between the vane leading edge 80and the vane trailing edge 82, and at least some of the vanes having thelonger straight line distance separating the vane leading edge 80 fromthe vane trailing edge 82 are spaced closer together than some of thevanes 48 having the shorter straight line distance between the vaneleading edge 80 and the vane trailing edge 82.

With automobile racetracks, it is common to use the language “inside ofthe turn” and “outside of the turn”. Adopting this language to referencelocations on the turn of the inner surface 38, the 0-degree locationwould represent the inside of the turn of the inner surface 38 and the180-degree location would represent the outside of the turn of the innersurface 38. Using this terminology, some of the vanes 48 nearer theoutside of the turn of the inner surface 38 are spaced closer togetherthan some of the vanes 48 nearer the inside of the turn of the innersurface 38.

FIG. 10

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integral elbow flowconditioner 2 that is included to show a previously described variationin the location of the turning guides. The pipe elbow 22, first flowconditioning element 24A, first opening 26A, second opening 26B, firstend surface 28A, second end surface 28B, outer surface 30, inner surface38, first outer corner 42A, second outer corner 42B, first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, third turning guide 44C, guide leadingedges 76, and guide trailing edges 78 are labeled for orientationpurposes.

The inner surface 38 turns/curves in at least one direction and forms atleast a portion of a curved fluid passageway extending from the firstopening 26A to the second opening 26B. For the purpose of improvedunderstanding, the first opening 26A and second opening 26B have eachbeen assigned a 0-degree location and a 180-degree location. The0-degree location represents the inside of the turn of the inner surface38 and the 180-degree location represents the outside of the turn of theinner surface 38.

As can be seen in the illustration, the first turning guide 44A, secondturning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C are not concentric withthe inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22. Instead, the first turningguide 44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C areeccentric with the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22, and biasedtoward the 180-degree location. In other words, the first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C are biasedtoward the outside of the turn of the inner surface 38.

The radial space between the first turning guide 44A and the innersurface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 at the 180-degree location is less thanthe radial space between the first turning guide 44A and the innersurface 38 at the 0-degree location. The radial space between the firstturning guide 44A and the second turning guide 44B at the 180-degreelocation is less than the radial space between the first turning guide44A and the second turning guide 44B at the 0-degree location. Theradial space between the second turning guide 44B and the third turningguide 44C at the 180-degree location is less than the radial spacebetween the second turning guide 44B and the third turning guide 44C atthe 0-degree location. This eccentric distribution of the turning guides44A-C beneficially increases flow resistance to the fluid 12 near the180-degree location. This is beneficial because it causes a better flowbalance across a plane normal to the axis of the elbow 22.

FIG. 11

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integral elbow flowconditioner 2 that is included to show a previously described variationin the location of the turning guides. The pipe elbow 22, first flowconditioning element 24A, first opening 26A, second opening 26B, firstend surface 28A, second end surface 28B, outer surface 30, inner surface38, first outer corner 42A, second outer corner 42B, first turning guide44A, second turning guide 44B, third turning guide 44C, guide leadingedges 76, and guide trailing edges 78 are labeled for orientationpurposes.

The inner surface 38 turns/curves in at least one direction and forms atleast a portion of a curved fluid passageway extending from the firstopening 26A to the second opening 26B. For the purpose of improvedunderstanding, the first opening 26A and second opening 26B have eachbeen assigned a 0-degree location and a 180-degree location. The0-degree location represents the inside of the turn of the inner surface38 and the 180-degree location represents the outside of the turn of theinner surface 38.

As can be seen in the illustration, the first turning guide 44A, secondturning guide 44B, and third turning guide 44C are eccentric with theinner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 at the first opening 26A (beingbiased toward the 180-degree location; i.e., biased toward the outsideof the turn of the inner surface 38), and are substantially concentricwith the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 2 at the second opening 26B.

At the first opening 26A, the radial space between the first turningguide 44A and the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22 at the180-degree location is less than the radial space between the firstturning guide 44A and the inner surface 38 at the 0-degree location. Atthe first opening 26A, the radial space between the first turning guide44A and the second turning guide 44B at the 180-degree location is lessthan the radial space between the first turning guide 44A and the secondturning guide 44B at the 0-degree location. At the first opening 26A,the radial space between the second turning guide 44B and the thirdturning guide 44C at the 180-degree location is less than the radialspace between the second turning guide 44 and the third turning guide44C at the 0-degree location. This eccentric distribution of the turningguides at the first opening 26A beneficially increases flow resistanceto the fluid 12 near the 180-degree location.

Another way of describing FIG. 11 is that the first turning guide 44Ahas a guide leading edge 76 and a guide trailing edge 78 and the guideleading edge 76 is eccentric to the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow22 and the guide trailing edge 78 is less eccentric or substantiallyconcentric to the inner surface 38 of the pipe elbow 22.

NOMENCLATURE LIST

-   -   flow conditioning assembly 1    -   downstream flow conditioner 4    -   pipe section 6    -   downstream flow conditioner 8    -   pipe section 10    -   fluid 12    -   flow direction 14    -   upstream piping component 18    -   downstream piping component 20    -   pipe elbow 22    -   first flow conditioning element 24A    -   second flow conditioning element 24B    -   third flow conditioning element 24C    -   first opening 26A    -   second opening 26B    -   first end surface 28A    -   second end surface 28B    -   outer surface 30    -   curved section 34    -   first straight section 36A    -   second straight section 36B    -   inner surface 38    -   first inner corner 40A    -   second inner corner 40B    -   first outer corner 42A    -   second outer corner 42B    -   first turning guide 44A    -   second turning guide 44B    -   third turning guide 44C    -   axis 46    -   vanes 48    -   first thickness 50A    -   second thickness 50B    -   third thickness 50C    -   inner guide surface 52    -   outer guide surface 54    -   first radial space 56A    -   second radial space 56B    -   flow channels 58    -   thickness 60    -   first thickness 60A    -   second thickness 60B    -   third thickness 60C    -   side surfaces 62    -   vane inner corners 64    -   vane outer corners 66    -   first location 68A    -   second location 68B    -   third location 68C    -   first fluid settling chamber 70A    -   second fluid settling chamber 70B    -   vane vents 72    -   guide vents 74    -   guide leading edges 76    -   guide trailing edges 78    -   vane leading edge 80    -   vane trailing edge 82    -   pipe element 102    -   outer peripheral surface 104    -   first axial end 106A    -   second axial end 106B    -   flow conditioning structure 108    -   axis 109    -   first end opening 110A    -   second end opening 110B    -   inner peripheral surface 112    -   first inward corner 114A    -   second inward corner 114B    -   first flow guide 118A    -   second flow guide 118B    -   third flow guide 118C    -   support vanes 120    -   radial thickness 122    -   guide inner surface 124    -   guide outer surface 126    -   first conditioner region 128A    -   second conditioner region 128B    -   third conditioner region 128C    -   flow passages 129    -   conditioner corners 130    -   upstream guide end 132    -   downstream guide end 134    -   guide offset dimension 136A    -   guide offset dimension 136B    -   vane flank surfaces 138    -   vane upstream end 140    -   vane downstream end 142    -   vane thickness 144    -   flow guide vents 146

In view of the foregoing it is evident that the embodiments of thepresent invention are adapted to attain some or all of the aspects andfeatures hereinabove set forth, together with other aspects and featureswhich are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.

Even though several specific geometries are disclosed in detail herein,many other geometrical variations employing the basic principles andteachings of this invention are possible. The foregoing disclosure anddescription of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof,and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in thedetails of the illustrated construction, may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive,the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

While the invention has been described in detail above with reference tospecific embodiments, it will be understood that modifications andalterations in the embodiments disclosed may be made by those practicedin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.All such modifications and alterations are intended to be covered. Inaddition, all publications cited herein are indicative of the level ofskill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference andfully set forth.

We claim:
 1. A downstream flow conditioner (4), comprising: a pipeelement (102) for conducting the flow of a fluid, said pipe element(102) being an annular conduit defining a radially inwardly-facing innerperipheral surface (112) that forms at least a portion of anaxially-oriented fluid passageway extending from a generallyaxially-facing first end opening (110A) to a generally axially-facingsecond end opening (110B); at least one flow conditioning structure(108) located at least partially within said pipe element (102) andcomprising: a) at least a first flow guide (118A) of generally circularform when viewed in transverse cross-section and located at leastpartially within and radially spaced from said pipe element (102), saidfirst flow guide (118A) having generally the same axial orientation assaid inner peripheral surface (112) of said pipe element (102); b) asecond flow guide (118B) of generally circular form when viewed intransverse cross-section and located at least partially within andradially spaced from said first flow guide (118A), said second flowguide (118B) having generally the same axial orientation as said innerperipheral surface (112); c) a plurality of support vanes (120)comprising a first plurality of support vanes and a second plurality ofsupport vanes, wherein: i) said first plurality of support vanessituated at least partially between said pipe element (102) and saidfirst flow guide (118A) and locating said first flow guide (118A)relative to said pipe element (102), at least some of said firstplurality of support vanes (120) having at least two vane flank surfaces(138) facing in generally opposite, generally circumferentialdirections, said first plurality of support vanes (120)circumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around said first flow guide (118A); and ii) said secondplurality of support vanes (120) situated at least partially betweensaid first flow guide (118A) and said second flow guide (118B) andlocating said second flow guide (118B), said second plurality of supportvanes (120) circumferentially spaced from each other andcircumferentially distributed around said second flow guide (118B); andd) said first flow guide (118A) and said second flow guide (118B) eachhaving an upstream guide end (132) and a downstream guide end (134),said upstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide (118A) beingcloser than said downstream guide end (134) of said first flow guide(118A) to said first end opening (110A) and said upstream guide end(132) of said second flow guide (118B) being closer than said downstreamguide end (134) of said second flow guide (118B) to said first endopening (110A), said upstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide(118A) being closer than said upstream guide end (132) of said secondflow guide (118B) to said first end opening (110A).
 2. The downstreamflow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said first flow conditioningstructure (108) includes a third flow guide (118C) of generally circularform when viewed in transverse cross-section and located at leastpartially within and radially spaced from said second flow guide (118B),said third flow guide (118C) having generally the same axial orientationas said inner peripheral surface (112), said third flow guide (118C)having an upstream guide end (132) and a downstream guide end (134),said upstream guide end (132) of said third flow guide (118C) beingcloser than said downstream guide end (134) of said third flow guide(118C) to said first end opening (110A) and said upstream guide end(132) of said second flow guide (118B) being closer than said upstreamguide end (132) of said third flow guide (118C) to said first endopening (110A).
 3. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 2,wherein said third flow guide (118C) has a guide inner surface (124)facing generally radially-inward away and having generally the sameaxial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112).
 4. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said first flowguide (118A) and said second flow guide (118B) have a foil shape.
 5. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said upstream guideend (132) of said first flow guide (118A) is thicker than saiddownstream guide end (134) of said first flow guide (118A).
 6. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said downstreamguide end (134) of said first flow guide (118A) is thinner than saidupstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide (118A).
 7. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein at least some ofsaid plurality of support vanes (120) have a foil shape.
 8. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said plurality ofsupport vanes (120) have a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstreamend (142), said vane upstream end (140) is closer than said vanedownstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vaneupstream end (140) is thicker than said vane downstream end (142). 9.The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said pluralityof support vanes (120) have a vane upstream end (140) and a vanedownstream end (142), said vane upstream end (140) is closer than saidvane downstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vanedownstream end (142) is thinner than said vane upstream end (140). 10.The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein at least some ofsaid plurality of support vanes (120) have generally the same axialorientation as said inner peripheral surface (112).
 11. The downstreamflow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said upstream guide end (132)of said first flow guide (118A) is closer than said downstream guide end(134) of said first flow guide (118A) to said pipe element (102). 12.The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said upstreamguide end (132) of said second flow guide (118B) is closer than saiddownstream guide end (134) of said second flow guide (118B) to said pipeelement (102).
 13. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1,wherein: said plurality of support vanes (120) have a vane upstream end(140) and a vane downstream end (142), said vane upstream end (140) iscloser than said vane downstream end (142) to said first end opening(110A) and said plurality of support vanes (120) have an axial lengthbetween said vane upstream end (140) and said vane downstream end (142);and said first flow guide (118A) has an axial length between saidupstream guide end (132) and said downstream guide end (134), said axiallength of said first flow guide (118A) is longer than said axial lengthof said plurality of support vanes (120).
 14. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein said first flow guide (118A) has atleast one flow guide vent (146) forming a passage passing in a generallyradial direction through said first flow guide (118A).
 15. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein: said first flowguide (118A) has an axial length between said upstream guide end (132)and said downstream guide end (134); and said first flow guide (118A)has at least one flow guide vent (146) forming a passage passing in agenerally radial direction through said first flow guide (118A) andpassing in a generally axial direction through said first flow guide(118A) from said upstream guide end (132) to said downstream guide end(134).
 16. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein atleast one of said plurality of support vanes (120) locating said firstflow guide (118A) has a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstreamend (142), said vane upstream end (140) is closer than said vanedownstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vanedownstream end (142) is closer than said vane upstream end (140) to saidsecond end opening (110B), and said upstream guide end (132) beingcloser than said vane upstream end (140) to said first end opening(110A).
 17. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 1, wherein atleast one of said plurality of support vanes (120) locating said firstflow guide (118A) has a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstreamend (142), said vane upstream end (140) is closer than said vanedownstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vanedownstream end (142) is closer than said vane upstream end (140) to saidsecond end opening (110B), and said downstream guide end (134) beingcloser than said vane downstream end (142) to said second end opening(110B).
 18. A downstream flow conditioner (4), comprising: a pipeelement (102) for conducting the flow of a fluid, being an annularconduit defining a radially inwardly facing inner peripheral surface(112) that forms at least a portion of an axially oriented fluidpassageway extending from a generally axially-facing first end opening(110A) to a generally axially-facing second end opening (110B); at leastone flow conditioning structure (108) located at least partially withinsaid pipe element (102) and comprising: a) at least a first flow guide(118A) of generally circular form when viewed in transversecross-section located at least partially within and radially spaced fromsaid pipe element (102), said first flow guide (118A) having generallythe same axial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112) ofsaid pipe element (102); b) a plurality of support vanes (120) situatedat least partially between said pipe element (102) and said first flowguide (118A) and locating said first flow guide (118A) relative to saidpipe element (102), at least some of said support vanes (120) having atleast two vane flank surfaces (138) facing in generally opposite,generally circumferential directions, said support vanes (120) beingcircumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around said first flow guide (118A); c) said first flowguide (118A) having an upstream guide end (132) and a downstream guideend (134), said upstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide (118A)being closer than said downstream guide end (134) of said first flowguide (118A) to said first end opening (110A); and d) said first flowguide (118A) having a foil shape when viewed in longitudinalcross-section, said downstream guide end (134) of said first flow guide(118A) being thinner than said upstream guide end (132) of said firstflow guide (118A).
 19. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 18,wherein said at least one flow conditioning structure (108) furthercomprising: a second flow guide (118B) of generally circular form whenviewed in transverse cross-section located at least partially within andradially spaced from said first flow guide (118A), said second flowguide (118B) having generally the same axial orientation as said innerperipheral surface (112); said plurality of support vanes (120)including a second plurality of support vanes (120) situated at leastpartially between said first flow guide (118A) and said second flowguide (118B) and locating said second flow guide (118B), said secondplurality of support vanes (120) being circumferentially spaced fromeach other and circumferentially distributed around said second flowguide (118B); and said second flow guide (118B) having an upstream guideend (132) and a downstream guide end (134), said upstream guide end(132) of said second flow guide (118B) being closer than said downstreamguide end (134) of said second flow guide (118B) to said first endopening (110A), said second flow guide (118B) having a foil shape whenviewed in longitudinal cross-section, said downstream guide end (134) ofsaid second flow guide (118B) being thinner than said upstream guide end(132) of said second flow guide (118B).
 20. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein at least some of said plurality ofsupport vanes (120) having a foil shape.
 21. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein said plurality of support vanes(120) have a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142),said vane upstream end (140) being closer than said vane downstream end(142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vane upstream end (140)being thicker than said vane downstream end (142).
 22. The downstreamflow conditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein said plurality of supportvanes (120) have a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end(142), said vane upstream end (140) being closer than said vanedownstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vanedownstream end (142) being thinner than said vane upstream end (140).23. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 19, wherein said firstflow conditioning structure (108) includes a third flow guide (118C) ofgenerally circular form when viewed in transverse cross-section locatedat least partially within and radially spaced from said second flowguide (118B), said third flow guide (118C) having generally the sameaxial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112), said thirdflow guide (118C) having an upstream guide end (132) and a downstreamguide end (134), said upstream guide end (132) of said third flow guide(118C) being closer than said downstream guide end (134) of said thirdflow guide (118C) to said first end opening (110A) and said downstreamguide end (134) of said third flow guide (118C) being thinner than saidupstream guide end (132) of said third flow guide (118C).
 24. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 23, wherein said third flowguide (118C) has a guide inner surface (124) facing generally radiallyinward and having generally the same axial orientation as said innerperipheral surface (112).
 25. The downstream flow conditioner (4) ofclaim 18, wherein said first flow guide (118A) and said second flowguide (118B) are generally conical.
 26. The downstream flow conditioner(4) of claim 18, wherein said upstream guide end (132) of said firstflow guide (118A) is closer than said downstream guide end (134) of saidfirst flow guide (118A) to said pipe element (102).
 27. The downstreamflow conditioner (4) of claim 19, wherein said upstream guide end (132)of said second flow guide (118B) is closer than said downstream guideend (134) of said second flow guide (118B) to said pipe element (102).28. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein at leastsome of said plurality of support vanes (120) have generally the sameaxial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112).
 29. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 19, wherein said upstream guideend (132) of said first flow guide (118A) is closer than said upstreamguide end (132) of said second flow guide (118B) to said first endopening (110A).
 30. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 23,wherein said upstream guide end (132) of said second flow guide (118B)is closer than said upstream guide end (132) of said third flow guide(118C) to said first end opening (110A).
 31. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein: said plurality of support vanes(120) having a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142),said vane upstream end (140) being closer than said vane downstream end(142) to said first end opening (110A) and said plurality of supportvanes (120) having an axial length between said vane upstream end (140)and said vane downstream end (142); and said first flow guide (118A)having an axial length between said upstream guide end (132) and saiddownstream guide end (134), and said axial length of said first flowguide (118A) being longer than said axial length of said plurality ofsupport vanes (120).
 32. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim18, wherein said first flow guide (118A) having at least one flow guidevent (146) forming a passage in said first flow guide (118A) passing ina generally radial direction through said first flow guide (118A). 33.The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein: said firstflow guide (118A) having an axial length between said upstream guide end(132) and said downstream guide end (134); and said first flow guide(118A) having at least one flow guide vent (146) forming a passage insaid first flow guide (118A) passing in a generally radial directionthrough said first flow guide (118A) and passing in a generally axialdirection through said first flow guide (118A) from said upstream guideend (132) to said downstream guide end (134).
 34. The flow conditioningassembly (1) of claim 19, wherein said upstream guide end (132) of saidfirst flow guide (118A) is axially offset from said upstream guide end(132) of said second flow guide (118B), said upstream guide end (132) ofsaid second flow guide (118B) is more recessed than said upstream guideend (132) of said first flow guide (118A) relative to said first endopening (110A).
 35. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 18,wherein at least one of said plurality of support vanes (120) having avane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142), said vaneupstream end (140) being closer than said vane downstream end (142) tosaid first end opening (110A) and said vane downstream end (142) beingcloser than said vane upstream end (140) to said second end opening(110B), and said upstream guide end (132) being closer than said vaneupstream end (140) to said first end opening (110A).
 36. The downstreamflow conditioner (4) of claim 18, wherein at least one of said pluralityof support vanes (120) having a vane upstream end (140) and a vanedownstream end (142), said vane upstream end (140) being closer thansaid vane downstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and saidvane downstream end (142) being closer than said vane upstream end (140)to said second end opening (110B), and said downstream guide end (134)being closer than said vane downstream end (142) to said second endopening (110B).
 37. A downstream flow conditioner (4), comprising: apipe element (102) for conducting the flow of a fluid, being an annularconduit defining a radially inwardly facing inner peripheral surface(112) that forms at least a portion of an axially oriented fluidpassageway extending from an axially-facing first end opening (110A) toan axially-facing second end opening (110B); at least one flowconditioning structure (108) located at least partially within said pipeelement (102) and comprising: a) at least a first flow guide (118A) ofgenerally circular form when viewed in transverse cross-section andlocated at least partially within and radially spaced from said pipeelement (102), said first flow guide (118A) having generally the sameaxial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112) of said pipeelement (102); b) a plurality of support vanes (120) situated at leastpartially between said pipe element (102) and said first flow guide(118A) and locating said first flow guide (118A) relative to said pipeelement (102), at least some of said plurality of support vanes (120)having at least two vane flank surfaces (138) facing in generallyopposite, generally circumferential directions, said plurality ofsupport vanes (120) being circumferentially spaced from each other andcircumferentially distributed around said first flow guide (118A); andc) said first flow guide (118A) having an upstream guide end (132) and adownstream guide end (134), said upstream guide end (132) of said firstflow guide (118A) being closer than said downstream guide end (134) ofsaid first flow guide (118A) to said first end opening (110A), and saidupstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide (118A) being closerthan said downstream guide end (134) of said first flow guide (118A) tosaid pipe element (102).
 38. The downstream flow conditioner (4) ofclaim 37, wherein said at least one flow conditioning structure (108)further comprises: a second flow guide (118B) of generally circular formwhen viewed in transverse cross-section located at least partiallywithin said first flow guide (118A), said second flow guide (118B) beingradially spaced from said first flow guide (118A) and having generallythe same axial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112); andsaid second flow guide (118B) having an upstream guide end (132) and adownstream guide end (134), said upstream guide end (132) of said secondflow guide (118B) being closer than said downstream guide end (134) ofsaid second flow guide (118B) to said first end opening (110A), saidupstream guide end (132) of said second flow guide (118B) being closerthan said downstream guide end (134) of said second flow guide (118B) tosaid pipe element (102); and said plurality of support vanes (120)including a second plurality of support vanes (120) situated at leastpartially between said first flow guide (118A) and said second flowguide (118B) and locating said second flow guide (118B), said secondplurality of support vanes (120) being circumferentially spaced fromeach other and circumferentially distributed around said second flowguide (118B).
 39. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 38,wherein said at least one flow conditioning structure (108) furthercomprises: a third flow guide (118C) of generally circular form whenviewed in transverse cross-section and located at least partially withinand radially spaced from said second flow guide (118B), said third flowguide (118C) having generally the same axial orientation as said innerperipheral surface (112), said third flow guide (118C) having anupstream guide end (132) and a downstream guide end (134), said upstreamguide end (132) of said third flow guide (118C) being closer than saiddownstream guide end (134) of said third flow guide (118C) to said firstend opening (110A), said upstream guide end (132) of said third flowguide (118C) being closer than said downstream guide end (134) of saidthird flow guide (118C) to said pipe element (102); and said pluralityof support vanes (120) including a third plurality of support vanes(120) situated at least partially between said second flow guide (118B)and said third flow guide (118C) and locating said third flow guide(118C), said third plurality of support vanes (120) beingcircumferentially spaced from each other and circumferentiallydistributed around said third flow guide (118C).
 40. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 39, wherein said third flow guide (118C) havinga guide inner surface (124) facing generally radially inward away fromsaid pipe element (102) and having generally the same axial orientationas said inner peripheral surface (112).
 41. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein said first flow guide (118A) has afoil shape.
 42. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 38, whereinsaid first flow guide (118A) and said second flow guide (118B) have afoil shape.
 43. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37, whereinsaid upstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide (118A) is thickerthan said downstream guide end (134) of said first flow guide (118A).44. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein saiddownstream guide end (134) of said first flow guide (118A) is thinnerthan said upstream guide end (132) of said first flow guide (118A). 45.The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein said pluralityof support vanes (120) have a foil shape.
 46. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein said plurality of support vanes(120) have a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142),said vane upstream end (140) being closer than said vane downstream end(142) to said first end opening (110A) and said vane downstream end(142) being closer than said vane upstream end (140) to said second endopening (110B), and said vane upstream end (140) being thicker than saidvane downstream end (142).
 47. The downstream flow conditioner (4) ofclaim 37, wherein said plurality of support vanes (120) have a vaneupstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142), said vane upstreamend (140) being closer than said vane downstream end (142) to said firstend opening (110A) and said vane downstream end (142) being closer thansaid vane upstream end (140) to said second end opening (110B), and saidvane downstream end (142) being thinner than said vane upstream end(140).
 48. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein atleast some of said plurality of support vanes (120) have generally thesame axial orientation as said inner peripheral surface (112).
 49. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 38, wherein said upstream guideend (132) of said first flow guide (118A) is closer than said upstreamguide end (132) of said second flow guide (118B) to said first endopening (110A).
 50. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 39,wherein said upstream guide end (132) of said second flow guide (118B)is closer than said upstream guide end (132) of said third flow guide(118C) to said first end opening (110A).
 51. The downstream flowconditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein: said plurality of support vanes(120) have a vane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142),said vane upstream end (140) being closer than said vane downstream end(142) to said first end opening (110A) and said plurality of supportvanes (120) have an axial length between said vane upstream end (140)and said vane downstream end (142); and said first flow guide (118A) hasan axial length between said upstream guide end (132) and saiddownstream guide end (134), said axial length of said first flow guide(118A) being longer than said axial length of said plurality of supportvanes (120).
 52. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37,wherein said first flow guide (118A) has at least one flow guide vent(146) forming a passage in said first flow guide (118A) passing in agenerally radial direction through said first flow guide (118A).
 53. Thedownstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein: said first flowguide (118A) has an axial length between said upstream guide end (132)and said downstream guide end (134); and said first flow guide (118A)has at least one flow guide vent (146) forming a passage in said firstflow guide (118A) passing in a generally radial direction through saidfirst flow guide (118A) and passing in a generally axial directionthrough said first flow guide (118A) from said upstream guide end (132)to said downstream guide end (134).
 54. The downstream flow conditioner(4) of claim 38, wherein said upstream guide end (132) of said firstflow guide (118A) is axially offset from said upstream guide end (132)of said second flow guide (118B), and said upstream guide end (132) ofsaid second flow guide (118B) is more recessed than said upstream guideend (132) of said first flow guide (118A) relative to said first endopening (110A).
 55. The downstream flow conditioner (4) of claim 37,wherein at least one of said plurality of support vanes (120) having avane upstream end (140) and a vane downstream end (142), said vaneupstream end (140) being closer than said vane downstream end (142) tosaid first end opening (110A) and said vane downstream end (142) beingcloser than said vane upstream end (140) to said second end opening(110B), and said upstream guide end (132) being closer than said vaneupstream end (140) to said first end opening (110A).
 56. The downstreamflow conditioner (4) of claim 37, wherein at least one of said pluralityof support vanes (120) having a vane upstream end (140) and a vanedownstream end (142), said vane upstream end (140) being closer thansaid vane downstream end (142) to said first end opening (110A) and saidvane downstream end (142) being closer than said vane upstream end (140)to said second end opening (110B), and said downstream guide end (134)being closer than said vane downstream end (142) to said second endopening (110B).